Forest dept eviction in city outskirts

Forest officials said the drive at the hills near Khanapara area was carried as encroachers had illegally settled on notified forest lands.

Locals in the area said forest officials reached the spot at around 4.30 am and demolished the houses.

"The eviction was carried out without giving any notice," a local resident said.

Most of the houses demolished during the drive were thatched huts, the officials said.