The anti-encroachment drive for widening Old Bhandara Road picked up pace on Wednesday, with authorities demolishing around 20 houses. Acting on directions from the district administration and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, the encroachment department carried out bulldozer operations for the second consecutive day, creating tension in the area.
Under the Sataranjipura Zone, officials removed unauthorised structures along the stretch from Mayo Hospital Square to the Old Motor Stand and Sunil Hotel. Authorities said buildings obstructing the proposed 18-metre and 30-metre-wide roads, as per the city’s development plan, were specifically targeted.
Deputy Commissioner (Encroachment) Mangesh Khavale, Assistant Commissioner Harish Raut and Town Planning officials were present during the operation.
Action in multiple zones
In the Dharampeth Zone, a day-long drive was conducted from Sitabuldi Main Road to Variety Square, where illegal shops and vehicles encroaching on footpaths were cleared to improve pedestrian movement.
In the Laxminagar Zone, encroachments were removed from both sides of roads near IT Park, the Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology campus, South Ambazari Road and the Khamla Mutton Market area.
In the Gandhibagh Zone, action was taken from Mahal Chowk to Badkas Chowk, where unauthorised street vendors were cleared under the supervision of Superintendent Sanjay Kamble to ease traffic flow.
Status quo on some properties
Meanwhile, some property owners on Old Bhandara Road approached the High Court against the demolition notices. Officials said the court directed the administration to maintain status quo on those properties that filed petitions. As a result, demolition was halted there, while the remaining 20 structures were removed as per rules.
With the widening project moving forward, authorities indicated that the anti-encroachment drive will continue in the coming days, signalling further action against illegal constructions across Nagpur.
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