MIDC to resume encroachment drive in Bajajnagar–Waluj industrial areas

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

After a considerable gap, the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) administration has once again stepped up action against increasing encroachments and has decided to carry out a removal drive in two phases across the Bajajnagar and Waluj industrial areas. The campaign commenced on Wednesday, and at present, announcements are being made through loudspeakers to alert encroachers in advance.

Earlier, the MIDC administration had undertaken a similar drive and removed several permanent encroachments in the Waluj industrial zone and Bajajnagar area. However, with encroachments reappearing on a large scale within a short period, the administration has been compelled to act again. Notably, with the upcoming Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations, there are concerns that encroachments could obstruct processions, making this drive all the more significant.

A meeting was held on Monday in this regard, during which the issue of rising encroachments was discussed in detail and an immediate course of action was decided upon. Following permission from the police administration, a two-day awareness campaign is being conducted on Wednesday and Thursday through loudspeaker announcements, urging encroachers to remove the structures voluntarily.

Roadside encroachments first, open spaces next

In the first phase of the drive, encroachments falling within road boundaries will be cleared. In the second phase, action will be taken against encroachments on open plots in the industrial area as well as within residential settlements. The administration’s warning has created an atmosphere of concern among encroachers, with many already beginning to remove the structures. The drive will be carried out under strict police security, under the guidance of MIDC regional officer Amit Bhamare and executive engineer Rameshchandra Giri.

“Complaints have been received regarding the rise in encroachments in the Waluj MIDC and Bajajnagar areas. Accordingly, a meeting was held and a plan has been prepared. Citizens should voluntarily remove encroachments and cooperate with the administration to avoid losses. The drive will be conducted in two phases,” said MIDC deputy engineer Ganesh Mulikar.