Massive Anti-Encroachment Drive Launched in Surat
The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has initiated a significant encroachment removal operation across Varachha and Sarthana areas following serious allegations raised by BJP MLA Kumar Kanani regarding illegal drug trade activities. The drive commenced on Thursday night with substantial police protection after Kanani publicly questioned the civic body's inaction against encroachers allegedly involved in narcotics trade.
Political Pressure Sparks Immediate Action
The catalyst for this sudden civic action came from BJP MLA Kumar Kanani, who took to social media on Wednesday to demand answers from municipal authorities. In his letter, Kanani directly challenged the SMC's delayed response against encroachers reportedly connected to the illegal trade of opium, cannabis, and other narcotic substances.
Public outrage had been building since a viral video showed a young boy openly selling drugs under a flyover, creating immense pressure on local authorities to take decisive action. Kanani's intervention sought a formal explanation for why these encroachments had been allowed to persist despite their apparent connection to criminal activities.
Large-Scale Operations Underway
The anti-encroachment drive saw massive deployment of resources across two key zones. In East Zone A (Varachha), municipal authorities fielded two teams comprising 60 workers who utilized six trucks to clear illegal settlements. The operation targeted areas beneath multiple flyovers, resulting in the removal of personal belongings including clothing, furniture, kitchen utensils, and vending carts.
Specific locations cleared in this zone included Vishwakarma Bridge, Aaimata Bridge, Kiran Chowk, and Mamadev Road. Simultaneously, in East Zone B (Sarthana), a 20-member team supported by three trucks conducted clearance operations under the Sarthana flyover and Simada area.
The entire operation was conducted under tight security with approximately 40 police personnel ensuring smooth proceedings and maintaining law and order during the sensitive removal process.
Pattern of Encroachment and Relocation Challenges
According to SMC officials, this is not the first time such drives have been conducted. An SMC representative acknowledged that while removal operations have been carried out previously, encroachers consistently return to these locations, creating a persistent problem for city authorities.
The municipal corporation typically schedules these clearance activities during evening or night hours when occupants are most likely to be present after returning from their daytime work. Despite SMC's efforts to provide alternative shelter facilities for footpath dwellers, many of those relocated eventually return to their original encroachment sites.
Officials emphasized that the current drive will continue targeting all identified encroachment spots across the city. The operation specifically addresses concerns about unhygienic conditions created by these illegal settlements, which have become hotspots for antisocial activities including the drug trade that sparked the recent public outcry.
