Ranchi, Sep 15 (IANS) : The district administration on Tuesday launched a major anti-encroachment drive in Ranchi to clear illegal constructions on land belonging to the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) and the Railways.
The action triggered massive protests by hundreds of affected residents.
Several JCB machines were deployed simultaneously to remove structures built on the disputed land, while a heavy police presence was stationed across the area to maintain law and order during the operation.
Hundreds of residents, whose homes and structures are likely to be affected by the drive, took to the streets in protest. They alleged that the administration had initiated the eviction process without making adequate rehabilitation arrangements.
Since early Tuesday morning, administrative officials have been making announcements through loudspeakers, urging people to voluntarily remove houses and other constructions built on Railway and HEC land.
Authorities warned that structures not removed by occupants themselves would be demolished with the help of earthmovers.
The operation led to scenes of panic in the locality, with many families seen shifting their belongings to safer places. The action also sparked resentment among residents, as large numbers of women, men and children gathered on roads to demonstrate against the drive.
Protesters said they had been living in the area for years and that the sudden action had placed their homes and livelihoods at risk.
Some residents alleged that they had not been given clear information regarding rehabilitation or alternative accommodation before being asked to vacate.
The administration, however, maintained that the operation was being conducted in accordance with prescribed procedures to reclaim government land belonging to the Railways and HEC.
Officials said adequate security arrangements had been made and that additional police personnel had been deployed at sensitive locations to prevent any untoward incident.
According to the administration, the drive to remove illegal encroachments from Railway and HEC land will continue. Magistrates and sufficient police forces have been deployed to deal with any eventuality, officials said.
However, tension prevailed in the area, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
