Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A large-scale encroachment removal drive was carried out by the municipal corporation’s anti-encroachment section on Saturday in the Sukhna riverbed area behind District Hospital (Mini Ghati) at Chikalthana, where extensive temporary and permanent structures had come up over the past eight to ten years.
Following the demarcation of danger and low-risk zones by the Town Planning (TP) section, the civic body used bulldozers to demolish as many as 85 encroachments in the area. More than 30 encroachers have been given a two-day ultimatum to remove their structures, failing which further action will be taken on Monday.
In line with efforts to restore river ecosystems, similar to the revival of the Kham River, the process of transforming the Sukhna river is currently underway. Stone pitching work has already begun along both sides of the riverbank in recent months.
Four years ago, the Sukhna River experienced flooding, which led to water entering several nearby houses and causing significant damage to the cremation ground behind the District Hospital. Over time, residents had constructed houses, shops, private clinics, medical stores, and offices within the riverbed area.
After identifying 110 encroachments in the danger and low-risk zones, the TP section issued warnings through loudspeaker announcements urging residents to voluntarily remove their structures. Some people complied and removed their belongings.
Subsequently, the civic team carried out demolition using JCB machines, clearing both temporary and permanent structures throughout the day. According to anti-encroachment section’s coordinating officer Santosh Wahule, the river stretch up to the end of Chaudhary Colony will be cleared. The operation was conducted by retired assistant commissioner Sanjay Suradkar, building inspectors Prapti Jadhav, Ganesh Veer, Ravindra Desai, Sagar Shrestha, and Sandeep Kaknate, along with JCB operator.
Obstacle at Motiwala Colony
In Motiwala Colony, around 28 to 30 houses and shops remain. Residents have requested a two-day extension, which has been granted. The authorities have confirmed that demolition will resume on Monday, and no encroachments in the riverbed will be spared.
Encroached wall demolished
Behind Mini Ghati, a person had constructed a wall over 100 feet long within the riverbed, allegedly attempting to encroach upon a large portion of land. Since the structure fell within the red-line zone, it was also demolished.