Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The municipal corporation’s anti-encroachment section carried out a major demolition drive on Wednesday from Seven Hills to Shahanoormiyan Dargah Chowk, removing more than 144 small and large encroachments along the stretch. The operation faced sporadic resistance at some locations, but a heavy police deployment and the “Nagrik Mitra Pathak” helped control the situation.
Stalls of earthen pot sellers, small shops, and iron kiosks were demolished on the spot. Municipal Commissioner Amol Yedge inspected the action in the evening.
The civic body has conducted similar drives in the past on this road, but encroachments tend to reappear within days of removal. On Wednesday, the operation began suddenly around 11 am near Seven Hills, with municipal teams clearing encroachments on both sides of the road and first freeing up the congested Seven Hills junction.
Traders swung into action and started demolishing the sheds extending their establishments. A couple of lawyers attempted to stop the action at Seven Hills by presenting a stay order, but officials rejected it and proceeded with the drive. Near Gajanan Maharaj temple, action was taken against vendors selling earthen pots and plants, and their goods were crushed using JCB machines despite appeals from makeshift shopkeepers.
By afternoon (3 pm), the drive continued from Gajanan Maharaj temple to Sutgirni Chowk. Later in the day, major action was carried out near the Divisional Sports Complex area, including the municipal corporation’s European Market and Chowpatty zones. Fruit vendors and other traders had constructed tin sheds and temporary structures, many of which were demolished after strong resistance. Encroachment coordinating officer Santosh Wahule urged traders to remove remaining structures themselves.
Commissioner’s inspection
During the drive at Dargah Chowk, civic chief Amol Yedge interacted with traders. He reportedly asked them to prove ownership of the land if they claimed it was theirs, and questioned whether they had obtained proper building permission from the Town Planning section for their business structures, leaving the traders speechless.
Further action planned
Wahule confirmed that the drive will continue on Thursday from Shahanoormiyan Dargah Chowk up to Bhajiwali Bai Chowk and Anand Gade Chowk.