The anti-encroachment drive continued on Monday with 76 encroachments being demolished and 240 being identified. However, with MlAs of BJP and Congress leaders uniting in support of shopkeepers in Premnagar area, the authorities reportedly suspended the demolition drive in the Premnagar Bazaar area till further orders.
BJP MlAs Harbans Kapoor, Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’ and Ganesh Joshi along with Pradesh Congress Committee vice president Suryakant Dhasmana and other party leaders sat on demonstration in support of traders in Premnagar. They alleged that the demolition drive was being undertaken in a one-sided manner. Meanwhile, officials informed that so far 1566 encroachments have been demolished, 4340 have been identified and 88 buildings have been sealed. Additional chief secretary Om Prakash informed on Monday that 21 people were served notices for encroachments. Strict action will be taken against those encroaching on government land, he said, adding that action will also be taken against those who are running commercial establishments from residential buildings against rules.