Authorities in Bhopal demolished a total of 87 structures on Saturday, comprising 52 houses and shops at Chhavni Pathar and 35 additional structures in Kolar's Kajlikheda area. The operations were part of efforts to clear land for the widening of the national highway linking Bhopal to Raisen and to reclaim government land from illegal encroachments.
Chhavni Pathar Demolition
At Chhavni Pathar, the demolition targeted encroachments on national highway land that had persisted for years. Huzur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vinod Sonkiya confirmed that 52 temporary and permanent structures were removed from the stretch. Bulldozers were used in the operation, which continued into the afternoon under police presence. Residents initially protested but were counselled and later relocated, officials said.
Kajlikheda Operation
In Kajlikheda, SDM PC Pandey led a separate operation to clear illegal encroachments from approximately 5 acres of government land along Kolar Road. Police joined after noon, and 35 houses along with several farmhouses built on plots ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 square feet were demolished. Officials noted that the land had been under illegal occupation for years.
Land Valuation and Reclamation
The reclaimed land from both operations is valued at around Rs 7 crore. The demolitions are part of ongoing efforts to widen the national highway and reclaim government property from encroachers.
