73 structures removed in anti-encroachment drive at Rajouri

In a major anti-encroachment drive aimed at widening of roads, the district administration removed 73 illegal structures and retrieved around 2 acres of prime land in municipal limits in Rajouri distict, a senior district official said.

The illegal structures, raised on alignment of road in violation of the Prevention of Ribbon Development Act, were removed, he said.

A team, comprised of Tehsildar Rajouri, Executive Office Municipal Committee and field staff, initiated the anti-encroachment drive with security and police assistance lead by SDPO Manjakote.

"A total of 73 structures were demolished and removed, which included illegal structures likes stairs, extensions, roof and annexes encroaching upon road and several shops constructed on government land," he said.

These structures included 59 extension cases and 24 shops. Eight shops constructed by a government department in violation of norms were also demolished, he added.

These structures were covered over more than 15 kanals (nearly 2 acres) of land, the official added.

Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, SSP Yougal Manhas, along with other officers from line departments visited the spot and inspected the anti-encroachment drive.

More than a dozen machines and around 150 string contingent of police and the CRPF were deployed.

However, no untoward incident occurred during the operation, he said.

The DC also appreciated the gesture of most of the shopkeepers in personally facilitating the removal of encroachments.

Some individuals attempted to create ruckus at the culmination of the drive, however, the general public from the area extended cooperation and voluntarily helped for the re-development initiative.

It is pertinent to mention here that several deputations from Rajouri town approached the chief minister on December 23, 2017 during the public outreach programme and demanded removal of encroachments wherein district administration was issued directions.

The district administration in two such drives earlier has retrieved more than 285 kanal prime state land and major infrastructure development projects have been started over same.