In a major crackdown on unauthorized constructions, authorities in Bokaro demolished over three dozen shops and food stalls that had been illegally built on land belonging to Bokaro Steel Limited (BSL). The anti-encroachment operation was carried out at the bustling Sector 4 City Centre on Tuesday.
Joint Operation Clears BSL Land
The drive was a coordinated effort between teams from the Bokaro district administration and BSL's own security and estate department. Using two excavators, the joint team began the demolition by targeting tea stalls located near Pali Plaza. Officials revealed a startling fact: more than 200 shops have sprung up illegally on BSL land in the area, many operating without any valid power connections.
Estate Court Magistrate Kavitesh Kumar and BSL’s Security and Land Estate Head, Alok Chawla, led the on-ground operation. Manikant Dhan, BSL's chief of communications, clarified that the occupants had been served eviction notices in advance. "With support from the district administration, the drive was initiated. Such measures will continue in the coming days," Dhan stated. He also issued a stern request to remaining encroachers to vacate the company's land immediately.
Shopkeepers Caught Off Guard
Despite prior warnings, many shopkeepers were unprepared for the demolition. Santosh, one of the affected shopkeepers, expressed surprise, saying, "We were not expecting that the drive would be conducted." This indicates a gap between the official notices and the occupants' belief that the structures would not actually be torn down.
To ensure safety and prevent any electrical mishaps during the demolition, the power supply to the entire area was cut off. This step was necessary because numerous stalls were found to be illegally tapping into electricity lines.
Campaign to Continue
The crackdown is not a one-day event. The joint team has announced plans to resume the anti-encroachment campaign on Wednesday, signaling a sustained effort to reclaim the valuable industrial land. This action highlights the ongoing struggle between public land management and unauthorized commercial expansion in urban centers.
The demolition of these 36 structures serves as a strong message from BSL and the district administration about their intent to enforce property laws and clear illegal occupations. It underscores the challenges of urban planning and the enforcement of land rights in rapidly developing city areas.
