The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has demolished 15 illegal constructions obstructing a drain in Gopal Nagar. Hindered by a lack of police protection, the NMC faced multiple unsuccessful attempts before a High Court petition by locals led to a December 2023 directive for police assistance. The demolitions aimed to address recurrent flooding and health hazards caused by unchecked encroachments. The operation, conducted under heavy police presence, successfully removed all unauthorized structures impeding the drain's flow, marking the resolution of a longstanding issue affecting residents in the Laxmi Nagar zone.
The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has finally demolished 15 solid constructions that were blocking the smooth flow of a drain in Gopal Nagar under the Laxmi Nagar zone after facing nearly two years of delay, including a year of waiting for police protection. The operation was carried out on Tuesday which involved a significant police presence, as reported by Sanjay Kamble, the enforcement inspector of NMC.
The NMC's anti-encroachment squad had previously made three unsuccessful attempts to demolish these illegal constructions in 2023, following a petition filed by local residents at the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court in 2020. Rajesh Dhargave and other local residents, represented by counsel SS Sharma, had approached the high court, emphasizing the adverse effects of uncontrolled encroachments and the neglect of drainage systems in the area. They pointed out that the unauthorized constructions along the drain in Gopal Nagar, extending from Pratap Nagar to Ring Road were causing hindrances to the water flow, leading to recurrent floods and potential health hazards.
The residents had initially complained to the Laxmi Nagar zone about the construction of solid houses by certain individuals. The incomplete construction of retaining walls along the drain due to encroachments was also a concern raised by residents, but their pleas were ignored. The High Court had directed civic agencies in January 2022 to identify and demolish unauthorized settlements along the river. However, due to a lack of police protection, the NMC couldn't carry out the demolitions. Subsequently, the residents of Gopal Nagar filed a writ petition in the High Court.
The High Court issued a strict directive in December 2023, instructing the city police to provide security to the NMC for the demolition of unauthorized constructions. Finally, the NMC's anti-encroachment team, with substantial police support, successfully demolished all 15 unauthorized solid houses constructed along the drain, which were obstructing the free flow of water.
The demolition of 15 obstructing houses by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation marks a crucial step in addressing a longstanding issue related to the Gopal Nagar nullah. This action, undertaken after a prolonged delay and challenges, aims to safeguard the community from potential drainage problems and enhance the overall resilience of the city's infrastructure.
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