Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bhopal Municipal Corporation began removal of encroachment near Manas Bhawan located at Polytechnic Square on Saturday, around 6 am.
Due to the same, police sealed the entire area with barricades and stopped all movement from Polytechnic Square to the CM House, maintaining strict security measures.
Notably, a protest broke out against the eviction on Friday night creating tension in the area. The drive is now being carried out under strict police vigilance.
Demolishment for Manas Bhavan's Expansion
The action is part of a plan to expand the Manas Bhavan premises, requiring the removal of a nearly 70-year-old slum inhabited by 27 families.
Around 400 police personnel and officials have been deployed to maintain law and order, while a team of 95 administrative officers and staff is overseeing the operation.
As the drive began, residents locked their homes and vacated the area amid uncertainty and fear. However, police reportedly broke open locks to retrieve belongings, which were then loaded onto trucks for relocation.
Around 27 families are being relocated to Bhauri, Kalkheda, and Malikhedi. The settlement, which is nearly 70 years old, is being cleared with a team of 95 officials and staff deployed for the operation.
Affected families to get 1 BHK
Despite the opposition’s criticism, BMC’s Additional Commissioner Tanmay Sharma told Free Press that adequate rehabilitation measures have been arranged.
Additional Commissioner Sharma confirmed that all 27 affected families are being relocated under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to permanent 1BHK housing units in Malikhedi.
Sharma further said that each housing unit is equipped with basic amenities such as drinking water, electricity, sanitation, and other essential facilities. The market value of these houses is estimated at around ₹12 lakh.
PCC Chief jitu Patwari arrives at spot
PCC Chief Jitu Patwari also arrived at the protest spot to meet residents. Here, he accused BJP and CM Mohan Yadav of always working against the poors.
Congress leaders, including former minister PC Sharma and BMC Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki, staged a sit-in at the site, accusing the administration of forcibly displacing poor and tribal residents who have lived there for decades.
During the protest, a youth climbed a tower, prompting a rescue effort by police after prolonged persuasion.
Despite opposition, the administration has continued the drive, stating that arrangements have been made for rehabilitation.
The situation remains tense as protests and police presence continue at the site.
Media restricted, water cannons placed
Strict barricading has been put in place, and entry of media personnel and the public has been restricted.
Water cannons have also been brought in as a precaution to handle any possible unrest.
