NMC and NIT remove 70 to 80 illegal structures in Nagpur anti-encroachment drive

The issue of growing encroachment on public spaces and footpaths in Nagpur has come into focus again. Illegal structures, permanent sheds and handcarts along roads are causing considerable trouble to pedestrians and motorists.

Against this backdrop, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) jointly carried out an anti-encroachment drive on Friday. About 70 to 80 illegal structures were removed in the Godhani Road, Jhingabai Takli and Tower Road areas. The drive continued through the day, with tight police security throughout.

The NMC administration had made special preparations this time. Ten teams of the NMC enforcement department reached these areas from the morning with a heavy police contingent. Special security arrangements had been made in view of the protests at some places during the previous action.

With the help of JCB machines and in the presence of police, permanent sheds built on footpaths, illegal structures and obstructions put up along the roadsides were removed. The action continued through the day in all three areas. About 70 to 80 structures were demolished and roughly a truckload of illegal goods was seized. According to the administration, the action was taken to clear public spaces.

The NMC commissioner had held a review meeting a day before the action, in which clear instructions were given to speed up the drive against encroachments. The NIT, the NMC headquarters' anti-encroachment squad and all zone offices had been ordered to work in coordination.

The main aims of the drive were to remove permanent illegal structures on both sides of roads, clear footpaths and stop the illegal commercial use of vacant plots. The administration put full arrangements in place to remove encroachments that obstruct city traffic and give people a safe place to walk. Teams from all ten NMC zones were involved.

Around noon, about 40 to 50 hawkers tried to protest during the action. However, because of the police arrangements and the administration's preparations, the action was not affected. The teams kept removing encroachments without backing off.

The drive was carried out under the guidance of Sanjay Kamble, assistant commissioner of the enforcement department. About 50 to 60 officials and employees from all ten NMC zones took part. Encroachments were removed on a large scale through the joint effort of the NMC and the NIT. The administration will also need to keep up continuous monitoring so that the same places are not encroached upon again.