Massive Anti-Encroachment Drive in Surat After Drug Activity Exposure
The Surat Municipal Corporation launched a major anti-encroachment operation on Friday, demolishing illegal structures beneath the Varachha flyover and evicting more than 250 people who had set up temporary settlements in the area. This decisive action came in response to growing concerns about drug-related activities happening openly in the vicinity.
Political Pressure Triggers Immediate Action
The crackdown was initiated after BJP MLA Kishor Kanani from Varachha Road constituency sent an open letter to municipal and police authorities. In his letter addressed to Surat Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agrawal and Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, Kanani highlighted the serious drug problem developing under the 7-kilometer long flyover stretch.
The political pressure intensified when AAP leader Vishal Vasoya, who also serves as a member of Gaurav Samithi NGO, posted a shocking video on social media just two days before the demolition. The viral footage showed a minor boy openly selling ganja while lying on a bed beneath the Varachha flyover, with several customers visible purchasing the drug in small plastic pouches.
Widespread Illegal Activities Uncovered
According to MLA Kanani's complaint, the illegal encroachments extended from Suryapur railway culvert to Sarthana check post, covering the entire 7-kilometer area beneath the flyover. The zone had become a hub for multiple illegal activities beyond drug sales, including unauthorized parking of JCB machines, trucks, and tempos.
"People are selling and consuming ganja and other drugs in places where such illegal encroachments are done. The local people and several social organisations have made representations many times, but no action has been taken," Kanani stated in his strongly-worded letter.
The BJP legislator demanded permanent solutions to the nuisance and asked authorities to respond in writing about their action timeline, also sharing his letter publicly on social media platforms to ensure transparency and prompt action.
Day-Long Demolition Operation
Responding swiftly to the complaints, SMC Varachha zone officials coordinated with Surat police department teams and reached the spot to begin the clearance operation. The day-long drive saw municipal workers removing extensive encroachments and loading the debris onto 10 trucks for disposal.
Over 250 residents who had been living in temporary tents beneath the bridge were evicted during the operation. The civic body also cleared illegal structures from the road divider at Vallabhacharya Road in Varachha as part of the comprehensive anti-encroachment effort.
An SMC official from Varachha zone confirmed, "We have received a complaint and acted on it. We will ensure that the area is free from encroachment in future." The authorities have committed to maintaining vigilance to prevent the return of illegal settlements and drug activities in the cleared area.
The incident has sparked discussions about urban governance and the need for proactive measures to address both encroachment issues and drug menace in public spaces across Indian cities.
