Anti-encroachment drive speeds up in Silk City

BERHAMPUR: Anti-encroachment drive in the Silk City started on Monday from the Sanno Bazaar in the city to widen roads encroached by business establishments in Sanno Bazaar, Bada Bazaar and Hanuman Bazaar. With the help of police force, bulldozers entered the three areas to demolish encroachments. Hundreds of shops were razed. Even the Hanuman Temple was not spared. Some portions of the temple were demolished. During demolition at the Hanuman Temple, Bajrang Dal, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), BJP Krushak Morcha and inhabitants of the area gathered and opposed the move. Following intervention by the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BMC) with a suggestion to shift the deity to the nearby Raghunath temple after necessary rituals, the protesters left the place.  During the demolition drive on the first day, Sub-Collector Ajit Mishra, tehsildar Satrughna Kar, BMC Mayor Shiv Shankar Das, Berhampur Dedelopment Authority (BMC) commissioner Bhim Manseth, Berhampur SP Safeen Ahmed, SDPO Sarat Mahapatra, one magistrate along with the police force were present. The administration has given seven days to the shopkeepers in Bada Bazaar to move elsewhere. On expiry of the deadline, the bulldozers will again swing into action, the administration has warned.

Source: The Pioneer