Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has chosen government land in Gut No 216 and 217 in the Harsul area near the lake for implementing the Prime Minister Awas Yojana. However, the land had been encroached upon by several people over the years, and they were living in tin sheds and kutcha houses. CSMC had previously served notices to the residents, instructing them to remove the encroachments on their own and were given a 15-day period to clear their belongings. Since the residents did not respond, CSMC launched a major drive on Monday and demolished around 180 encroachments. Despite the absence of police bandobast, CSMC proceeded with the drive.
The issue of clearing encroachments for the PM Awas Yojana had been ongoing for over a year. However, CSMC had not taken action until now. The drive had been postponed multiple times due to the unavailability of police bandobast. A few days ago, the administration warned the residents to remove the encroachments within 15 days. Finally, the drive was carried out on Monday.
Upon seeing the police and anti-encroachment squad, the residents began protesting. Some even attempted to attack the officers and employees. Around 180 tin-shed encroachments were demolished. Since police bandobast was not available on Monday, the CSMC administration sought assistance from the Jawans of the Nagari Mitra Squad, Fire Brigade, Sanitary Inspectors, health department, and others. A team of 150 security personnel was deployed to carry out the drive.
