The Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD) continued its demolition drive against illegally established shanties in the Saraswati Kunj colony, located on Golf Course Road, for a second day on Saturday.
Under the leadership of District Town Planner Enforcement (DTPE) Amit Madholia, the department's team, accompanied by police, demolished the remaining structures. In the major operation that began on Friday, around 670 shanties were demolished. On Saturday, the department removed another 360 shanties and two illegally constructed gates.
In total, more than 1,000 shanties, which had been illegally established on approximately one and a half acres of land, were completely demolished over the two days. The action was carried out within the jurisdiction of Police Station Sector-53 and was completed peacefully, with no opposition encountered.
DTPE Amit Madholia stated that on Friday, most of the shanties were found empty, but residents were given an additional hour to remove their belongings. On Saturday, the team used bulldozers on the remaining shanties. He warned that if any attempt is made to re-establish the shanties, strict legal action will be taken against the encroachers.
Local residents welcomed this action by the department. They stated that the shanties had become a hub for drugs and anti-social activities, which was affecting the atmosphere of the area. Problems such as electricity theft, illegal water supply from borewells, and open defecation were reportedly common.
According to the department, shanties have been removed from this area several times in the last five years, but illegal occupants repeatedly set up shanties and start the business of collecting rent.
DTPE Amit Madholia confirmed that the illegal shanties have been completely removed from the Saraswati Kunj colony area. He added that the department's action will continue in the future and legal action will be taken against those who attempt to re-occupy the land.