Shevgaon civic body promises even anti-encroachment drive from Oct 2 amid bias charge

A controversy has erupted over the anti-encroachment drive in Shevgaon town of Ahilyanagar district. A few days ago, the administration ran a drive to remove encroachments between Ambedkar Chowk and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk. Questions are now being raised about that action.

Kisan Chavan, a leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, alleges that the administration clearly discriminated between small traders and rich traders in the drive. Chavan is also the party's state vice-president. He has made a written complaint directly to Ahilyanagar District Collector Pankaj Ashiya. He also warned that he would approach the court if the administration did not act equally against everyone.

Chavan said, "While carrying out the action, the administration targeted only poor and small roadside stall owners and retail traders, while deliberately leaving out the permanent encroachments of rich and influential traders." He also reiterated that he would go to court if there was any delay or evasion in the October 2 action as well.

When Shevgaon Municipal Council Chief Officer Vijaya Gadghe was asked directly about these allegations and the growing resentment among people, there was a stir in the administration. Gadghe said clearly, "No discriminatory action will be taken in the matter of encroachments. All encroachments that remain in the town, including those of big traders, will be removed through a drive from October 2." She gave this assurance herself.

Meanwhile, the government survey of land in the Sonarpeth area is due to begin on November 2. Taking together the action the council has promised from October 2 and this survey, the encroachment problem in Shevgaon appears likely to be settled completely. After the council's assurance, the picture of real administrative action beginning is becoming clearer.

The whole of Shevgaon now has its eyes on the council. People want to see whether the administration actually acts alike against everyone, or whether it stays only on paper. After the firm stand of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and the repeated questions it has raised, the matter is a talking point in the town.