Authorities executed a five-day demolition initiative to eliminate nearly 100 encroachments along a 1.5-km segment of the Farrukhnagar–Daboda road, which serves as a vital connection to the KMP Expressway.
The objective of the initiative was to alleviate traffic congestion and restore the road to its authorized width of 60–66 ft, according to officials. In various locations, the corridor had constricted to 35–40 ft, resulting in frequent traffic jams and safety issues.
Under the leadership of duty magistrate RS Batth, the initiative persisted for 8–9 hours each day and concluded on Tuesday. Officials indicated that it followed demarcation by the revenue department and multiple outreach efforts to shopkeepers and residents to solicit their cooperation.
Authorities noted that the stretch is an essential link for nearby villages and townships. Details regarding encroachments were communicated in advance, and demarcation was reverified during the operation to address objections from certain property owners.
Nearly 100 structures were dismantled, including nine three- to four-storey buildings and approximately 30 double-storey constructions. In several instances, residents voluntarily dismantled parts of their properties and cleared materials from shops and rented spaces. Some owners employed heavy cutter machines to hasten the process. Officials reported that about 35 ft of additional width was reclaimed along the stretch.
Over 100 police personnel, including the SHO of Farrukhnagar, were deployed alongside teams from the civic body, revenue department, fire brigade, ambulance services, and depot authorities. Two JCBs and a poclain machine were utilized in the operation. Farrukhnagar civic secretary Rajesh Sharma, along with a municipal team of around 20 staff members and revenue officials, including patwaris, were present throughout the initiative.
Officials stated that groundwork for the initiative commenced a month prior when the nodal officer visited the site and encouraged residents to cooperate. Officials confirmed that no protests occurred during the initiative, despite initial apprehensions from some shopkeepers.
A number of residents subsequently expressed their approval of the initiative and urged for comparable actions in other congested regions. The civic authority of Farrukhnagar is set to revamp the roadway at an anticipated expenditure of Rs 7 crore over the forthcoming 10 months. This project will encompass enhanced carriageways, footpaths, green verges, and drainage systems to facilitate better traffic flow and connectivity. Authorities indicated that this initiative is anticipated to act as a prototype for future anti-encroachment efforts in the area.
