Bulldozers Flatten 386 Homes: Displacement and Discord in Bhopal's Slum Clearing Operation- A Ground Report

Bhopal- In the last two days, 386 houses were razed to the ground by bulldozers in the dilapidated slum area of the capital. The media was also prohibited from entering in a joint operation by the Municipal Corporation and the District Administration. Due to the ongoing action, with more than 500 policemen present, access to the area was blocked by barricades set up one kilometer away. Only the administration was granted entry.

All the houses in the nearly 100-year-old slum were demolished on Saturday. The Mooknayak team reached Bhadbhada Basti, finding only debris remaining. Some residents were seen transporting household items to other locations using loading vehicles, while others salvaged bricks from the rubble.

The demolition was carried out following the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Although the administration had issued notices to vacate the premises by Tuesday, residents vowed to stay until provided alternative housing. The action, in compliance with NGT instructions, has been ongoing for three days. To maintain order, the police had cordoned off the area 1 kilometer before the settlement and deployed 500 personnel. Ten JCBs were employed for the demolition.

Residents protested as the bulldozers began demolishing their homes. Women cried and pleaded with the authorities to halt the action, but the demolition continued unabated. Some individuals experienced health issues and were admitted to hospitals.

Firoz Bi, a longtime resident, expressed dismay, stating her family had resided in the colony for generations. Notices from the Municipal Corporation had been received earlier, but the sudden demolition caught them off guard. Firoz lamented the lack of time to retrieve belongings and criticized the administration for inadequate provisions and restricting access even when relatives attempted to provide food.

Another resident, Mohammad Aslam Usman, criticized the administration for creating panic and mishandling the situation. He recounted how belongings were haphazardly removed from homes, leaving residents without shelter. Aslam emphasized the lack of alternative arrangements or compensation for their displacement.

The Municipal Corporation arranged for loading vehicles to transport residents' belongings. Some were offered land leases in the Chandpur Berasia area, while others were given the choice of Rs 1 lakh compensation or housing under the Prime Minister's scheme.

Congress opposed the settlement's removal and petitioned the Human Rights Commission against the bulldozing of Bhadbhada slum. Former minister PC Sharma criticized the timing of the demolition, coinciding with ongoing examinations, and alleged coercion in obtaining residents' consent. He highlighted the abrupt disconnection of utilities and the denial of access to belongings, alongside inadequate provisions for sustenance.

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