Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) on Tuesday tore down parts of 35 houses and shops obstructing the construction of a crucial 18-meter-wide road in Ward No 61.
The road, which will connect the Chandrabhaga Hanuman Temple to Kalal Kui Mosque, is part of the city's infrastructure development plan.
Notices had been issued to the affected residents well in advance and the designated portions of the properties were marked for demolition. Many residents had already voluntarily removed the encroaching parts of their houses and shops before the operation commenced.
Heavy machinery and police deployed
On Tuesday morning, the IMC team arrived at the site with five poclain machines, four JCBs and removal gang members. To ensure a smooth operation, police forces from two police stations were also deployed in the area.
Additional municipal commissioner Lata Agarwal said that portions of the 35 houses and shops ranging from two feet to eight feet, were being removed. "We had marked the areas and issued notices one and a half months ago. Further, announcements were made three days prior to the operation to keep residents informed," she stated.
Initially residents objected, IMC reassured them later
Some residents had initially objected to the markings, prompting the IMC to re-evaluate and re-mark the properties in their presence to address their concerns. "After the re-marking, the residents were satisfied and we ensured that only the necessary portions were removed," said Agarwal.
