Nainital: The administration team has taken action against the encroachment on the roadside in Bhumiyadhar area. The team led by SDM demolished 25 shops. Heavy protest was seen during the action of removing encroachment. Under the leadership of SDM Nawazish Khalik, about 25 shops were demolished calling them encroachment.
Encroachment removed in Bhumiyadhar of Nainital: This action caused great resentment among the local people, especially women. The shopkeepers protested calling this action unjust. They said that it is like snatching their livelihood. During this campaign run by the administration, heavy police force was deployed on the spot. The SDM said that-
The shops were built by encroaching on the side of the main road. This was obstructing traffic. Along with this, there was a possibility of accidents. The shopkeepers were informed in advance. Despite this, they did not remove the encroachment. Ultimately the administration had to remove the encroachment as per the rules.
-Nawazish Khaliq, SDM-
Local people and shopkeepers protested: Local people allege that the Panchayat had given them space to set up shops. Now they have been evicted without any alternative arrangement. A shopkeeper alleged that-
The places which have been removed now calling it encroachment were given to us by the Gram Panchayat years ago for self-employment under the name ‘View Point’. Women had started raising their families by opening shops at those places. Now suddenly the administration has ruined them calling it encroachment.
-Rashmi Jayshree, shopkeeper-
SDM said action was taken as per rules: SDM Nawazish Khaliq said that this action has been taken completely as per rules. The people whose shops have been removed were warned several times earlier and notices were also issued. Despite this, they did not remove the encroachment. This campaign has been run with the aim of widening the road and improving the traffic system. We had given time to all the shopkeepers. This is government land and it was occupied illegally. Now this was necessary to improve the traffic system and safety.
