INDORE: More than 80 houses and shops were demolished on Monday as the Indore Municipal Corporation continued its road-widening project between Gutkeshwar Temple and Sadar Bazaar Road.
Municipal officials said the operation involved nine poclain machines, five JCBs and more than 100 civic staff members. The road-widening work is being carried out to improve connectivity in the area.
Residents affected by the demolition alleged that they had not received compensation, alternative housing or rehabilitation support. Many said their families had lived in the locality for generations and were now facing displacement.
Several elderly residents and widows said they had no other place to live and urged authorities to provide housing assistance. Some residents also alleged that portions of their properties were demolished beyond the marked limits.
Affected families said they were not opposed to the development project but wanted the administration to ensure proper rehabilitation before carrying out the demolition.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders visited the site and criticised the action, alleging that the affected residents had not been given adequate relief. Municipal authorities have not publicly announced any compensation or rehabilitation package for the families affected by the drive.
