Indore: Proposed Metro Substation At Chhota Ganpati Triggers Protests After 45 Properties Marked For Demolition

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The proposed construction of a Metro substation in the Chhota Ganpati area on MG Road has triggered strong protests from local residents and business owners. The protests erupted after the Metro authorities released a list of 45 properties marked for demolition to make way for the substation.

Concerned over the loss of ancestral homes and decades-old businesses, affected residents gathered outside the Chhota Ganpati Temple on Sunday to voice their dissent. Areas such as Mahant Parisar, Tamboli Bakhal, Malharganj and Tori Corner are among those where properties face potential removal.

The protesters argued that the proposed substation was not only unnecessary but also harmful for a densely populated and culturally significant neighbourhood. They pointed out that Metro stations were already under construction at Bada Ganpati, Malharganj and Rajwada, all within 500 metres of each other, rendering another substation redundant.

“This demonstration is about protecting people from unnecessary harm. Authorities must rethink their plans,” said former MLA Satyanarayan Sattan, who joined the protest alongside prominent social workers Kishore Kodwani and Shekhar Giri.

“The Metro list includes 45 homes. We’ve asked officials to explore underground options or alternative routes, but the neighbourhood must not be sacrificed,” said Shekhar Giri.

Environmental and legal concerns were also raised. “The current Metro route affects 23 heritage sites and any alteration requires presidential approval. Violating this could lead to up to seven years of imprisonment and heavy fines,” said activist Kishore Kodwani. “Additionally, 55% of Indore’s water supply comes from groundwater. Digging tunnels in this area could destabilise the entire system”, he said.

Residents and traders have formed the Chhota Ganpati Substation Hatao Sangharsh Samiti, a resistance committee to organise further action. The group includes local leaders such as Shekhar Giri, Ashok Chauhan (Chandu), Manoj Shrivastava, Chhote Sharma, Rajesh Mahant and Rukmani Shinde. The committee has warned that the protests will intensify if their concerns are not addressed.