1234 Kolkata: Around 45 families reportedly encroaching upon 150m stretch of the pavement around Yogayog Bhawan on CR Avenue were on Tuesday removed in a drive by Kolkata Police, with the help of KMC.
The move to clear the areas adjoining Jadunath Dey Lane and CR Avenue near Bowbazar was taken following repeated complaints about the squatters creating a nuisance. Some even complained about safety hazards, said cops from the Bowbazar police station.
The authorities had earlier served the families notice before undertaking the drive. According to a police officer, they had requested KMC for help so that some of the squatters, especially the women and children, could be relocated to the local night shelter. But not all those who were removed out of the pavement agreed to shift to the shelter. "This is our home. It is not be easy to leave," said one of the pavement dwellers.
Police, however, allowed 15 families, living inside an adjoining bylane, to stay for now. "We are giving these families some time to relocate, just like we did to these squatters, whom we removed on Tuesday," said an officer.
Several office-goers expressed relief at the drive, saying the encroachments, which had turned worse since Covid, had been affecting movement. "These illegal settlers created a challenge to navigate this stretch, leading towards the Metro station. We were forced to step down from the pavement and walk on the main road. The families would get angry if people tried to walk past them," said an employee of Yogayog Bhawan.
An office-bearer of the postal department, however, said they had nothing to do with the drive as it took place outside their office premises.
The civic authorities promised to keep the cleared area properly maintained to prevent future encroachments. "We will install lights and increase surveillance. Regular patrolling will ensure the place remains clear for pedestrians," said a senior civic official.
Police said the operation was part of a larger city-wide initiative to clear encroachments from major thoroughfares. Similar drives would be held in other parts of the city, said an officer.
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