Journalism of Courage
The anti-encroachment drive undertaken by the district collectorate along the Pune-Bangalore National Highway,continued Wednesday,with 92 illegal structures being razed. In the two days,162 structures have been demolished.
Senior revenue officers,who were part of the drive,said the 8-km stretch on the highway,on either side of the Katraj tunnel were cleared. Majority of the constructions were commercial establishments.
The drive is being conducted on the land acquired by NHAI for four-laning the highway. Although,formalities of land acquisition was completed eight years ago,presence of illegal establishments had prevented NHAI from acquiring the land.
The incident of the flash flood last Thursday,which swept away a woman and her 14-month old infant brought to light the dangers of illegal constructions in the area.
The drive was conducted under heavy police protection and officials from NHAI and other departments were also present.
