Bhopal Anti-Encroachment Drive Resumes with Demolition of Nine Shops Near Mosque
In a renewed effort to clear encroachments, the Bhopal district administration demolished nine shops located near a mosque in Bhadbhada on Monday. This action is part of an ongoing drive to enforce the no-construction zone around the Upper Lake, following orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Drive Resumes After Previous Resistance
The demolition drive resumed just four days after the Bhopal Municipal Corporation's anti-encroachment team faced strong resistance last Thursday. During that earlier attempt to clear shops at the Bhadbhada intersection along the Upper Lake, officials encountered significant opposition from locals, highlighting the contentious nature of the operation.
Monday's Action Led by SDM with Police Support
Monday's operation was spearheaded by TT Nagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Archana Sharma and supported by over 50 police personnel to ensure security and compliance. In addition to the nine shops, the team also vacated two illegal houses, reclaiming government land estimated to be worth approximately Rs 3 crore, according to official statements.
Widespread Encroachments Identified Across City
Officials revealed that a comprehensive survey has identified a total of 117 encroachments in the TT Nagar area alone. These include:
- 68 encroachments on government land
- 49 encroachments on private plots
Among these structures are hotels and restaurants, indicating the scale of unauthorized constructions. Notices have been issued to property owners, and hearings are currently underway to address these cases.
Bairagarh Also Targeted with 266 Structures Marked
In Bairagarh, the administration has marked 266 structures for removal, ranging from villas and bungalows to slum dwellings. SDM Ravishankar Rai clarified that constructions predating March 16, 2022, which have valid permissions, will be exempt from the demolition drive. This exemption aims to protect legally authorized properties while targeting illegal encroachments.
Strict Warnings from Collector
Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh issued a stern warning against those attempting to erase the red markings placed by the administration on structures slated for demolition. He urged residents without proper approvals to voluntarily dismantle their structures to avoid legal action. This move underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing the NGT orders and reclaiming public land.
The resumption of the anti-encroachment drive in Bhopal reflects a broader effort to address environmental concerns and urban planning issues around the Upper Lake, with officials emphasizing strict adherence to regulations to prevent further illegal constructions.
