Nagpur: In one of the biggest anti-encroachment actions, nearly 150 houses situated in Shivkrishnadham Nagar on Koradi Road were demolished by Nagpur Improvement Trust on Tuesday. 10 JCB machines were deployed to ground the houses in the company of a posse of 400 police personnel. The slum has a population of around 1500.
The massive anti-encroachment exercise got off to a start in the morning with barricading of a road leading to Shivkrishnadham Nagar slums on Koradi Road. A police force was also deployed on the main road in anticipation of protest by the settlers. Anxious people were standing in front of their houses. The moment NIT and police officials reached the scene, the demolition act commenced, albeit, with a little protest from the people. But the presence of cops averted the situation taking an ugly turn.
According to sources, the land in Shivkrishnadham Nagar was under dispute. Since the land was open, a Congress Corporator Harish Gwalbanshi “grabbed” it and sold to people for Rs 20,000-25,000 each. However, when the land dispute went to the court, it had ordered to remove the ‘illegal’ colony.
During today’s anti-encroachment drive, BJP Corporator Jagdish Gwalbanshi and Chairman of Labour Board Munna Yadav were present at the scene. Protesting the demolition, Gwalbanshi termed the action as “murder of democracy.” “Demolition of people’s houses without notice is wrong,” he said. Protesting the action, Munna Yadav said the administration should have made an alternate arrangement before demolishing the people’s houses.
The scenario depicted a picture of determination and distress as well. Some women were seen crying on seeing their houses being grounded. People, including children, were seen collecting their goods helplessly.
Ajay Pardhi, residing in the colony since past five years, said that the settlers were not served any notice by the administration and suddenly the action was initiated. Rajesh Kumar Yadav said he was staying in the area since past 15 years. “I had settled in the colony after paying money to someone. But now I am in ‘nowhere land’ and confused,” he lamented. Same is the distressing situation for Bablu Vishwakarma and his family, Kishore Vyas, Prem Prakash Giri, Sushma Yadav and many more.
The NIT Superintending Engineer Satish Paseband led the massive anti-encroachment drive. He said that the action is being initiated after the High Court order in this regard. Directives have been issued to demolish 150 houses. He, however, refused to comment further.
