Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation(GMC ) initiated an anti-encroachment drive on Wednesday around noon. Accompanied by a heavy police contingent, the enforcement team demolished illegal structures in Shahpur area, against strong public resistance.
Three months ago, joint survey by the municipal and tehsil administrations identified 1.55 acres of encroached land occupied by 15 individuals, including five permanent structures, some boundaries and some foundations. Despite prior public announcements on loudspeakers warning encroachers to vacate, unauthorised constructions had continued to obstruct the beautification project.Led by additional municipal commissioner Nirankar Singh, the enforcement squad faced intense resistance. Several protesters squatted on the road and in front of the bulldozers to halt the demolition, but police force intervened, dispersing the crowd to ensure the operation proceeded without hindrance.
Women and men alike pleaded with authorities, but their appeals fell on deaf ears. The presence of senior officials ensured the demolition went ahead as planned, leaving no room for the protesters’ demands.
Singh said 15 individuals had encroached the pond’s land, comprising five houses, several boundary walls and some foundation work. He noted that a ruling in 1998 by the then-SDM had already declared the land part of the pond.
Although encroachers took the matter to court, the high court did not pass any order restraining the GMC from clearing the land.
Singh said the individuals had procured documents fraudulently to justify their claims and with the encroachments removed, Khariya Pokhara was now free for redevelopment. He added that those without alternative housing had already been given one to two months to vacate, through multiple prior notices.
