Residents oppose demolition drive

THE ANTI-ENCROACHMENT squad of the Gorakhpur Nagar Nigam faced opposition from residents near Dharmshala Bazaar. Reports said the squad reached the place to remove encroachments near a newly constructed flyover.

THE ANTI-ENCROACHMENT squad of the Gorakhpur Nagar Nigam faced opposition from residents near Dharmshala Bazaar.

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Reports said the squad reached the place to remove encroachments near a newly constructed flyover.

Accompanied by district and police officials, the squad removed shops and demolished illegal structures. Traders and locals complained to officials that they were not given prior notice.

Deputy municipal commissioner Khem Chand and city magistrate Anil Kumar gave one hour to people to remove encroachments.

While betel shop owners, fruit and vegetable vendors removed their temporary shops, others sought politician’s help in a bid to stave off the drive.

Ignoring pressure mounted by political activists, the squad removed encroachments from Kali temple to Asuran crossing.

When the owners of these buildings argued with the officials, the latter said the land belonged to the Municipal Corporation and these constructions were illegal.

City magistrate Anil Kumar said that after inauguration of the flyover, traffic pressure had increased and removal of encroachments had become necessary.

They also removed illegal hoardings and small shops from both sides of the road.