AMC, police department conduct joint demolition drive: Over 900 structures razed at Isanpur Lake

There were 167 commercial and 925 residential structures, out of which 167 commercial structures had already been removed earlier.

The machinery put to use included 12 Hitachi, eight JCB, 12 dumpers and 12 pusher machines. The demolition work started at 7 am and continued till 6 pm, razing over 900 structures. The machinery was backed by a human force of around 700 personnel of AMC’s estate, engineer, health, fire, UCD departments and 550 of the police department. 20 teams were jointly formed.

For the demolition drive, the entire lake was divided into four parts. Two teams each of fire and medical were kept on standby to prevent any untoward incident. “Keeping everyone’s safety in mind, before starting the work, the electricity connection provided in the houses was removed. In addition, people were given enough time to collect their household goods. The UCD department made arrangements to take around 44 families to the nearest shelter home through AMTS buses,” an AMC official said.

AMC said its estate department had issued three notices over the last two months, including notices in person to voluntarily vacate the residential constructions. However, these structures remained occupied despite the notices.

“Considering the submissions of the people living in the lake area for years, applications in the prescribed form with necessary evidence were called from all the people for allotting housing on humanitarian grounds. After verification of the applications, housing will be allotted under the PMAY 2.0 scheme of the Government of India. Apart from notices in person, public notices were also issued in the newspapers, hoardings and announcements through auto rickshaws made in the area of the lake to vacate the area. On November 20, a final notice was issued to people living illegally in the lake and asked to voluntarily vacate the lake. But, considering the demand of the people, additional four days were also given to vacate the house voluntarily,” AMC said.

AMC officials said nearly 1,000 encroachments had illegally emerged inside and along the boundary of Isnapur Lake. The residents watched as their pucca and kutcha construction units were being razed amid tight police security.

The AMC said the development at the lake has been included in the current year’s budget. “Keeping this in mind, the work of developing the lake will be carried out in the coming days by removing the debris of the demolished structures. The lake will be filled with rainwater through the storm water line, due to which the surrounding water logging spots will be eliminated. In the coming time, work will be carried out to remove the encroachments and develop the lakes,” an AMC official said.