Relocation of slum behind Bhopal’s Manas Bhawan postponed:Congress protest halts action on illegal settlement housing 27 families, SDM cites police shortage

The Madhya Pradesh administration planned to evict 27 slum families living behind Manas Bhawan at Polytechnic Chauraha, Bhopal, on Monday morning. The families have been residing there for around 70 years. However, after Congress protested on Sunday, the eviction was postponed. Officials also cited the absence of sufficient police personnel as a reason. City Circle SDM Deepak Pandey said, “Today’s action has been postponed due to unavailability of adequate police force. It will be carried out soon.” Congress leaders intervene Congress State President Jitu Patwari visited the slum on Sunday. He met the residents and protested against the eviction. Patwari spoke to ADM Ankur Meshram and SDM Deepak Pandey over the phone, warning, “If you remove even one brick, you will find me standing there. Our entire Congress team will be present.” Former Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and ex-minister PC Sharma have also raised questions about the eviction. Officials are concerned about possible commotion during the operation, so the plan is being kept confidential. Background of the slum settlement The settlement has existed for nearly 70 years. It houses 27 families, mostly tribal, with some non-tribal residents. More than 200 people live in this area. The administration issued a notice on August 25, giving families seven days to vacate. The encroached area is 5613 square feet, identified as forest land under Khasra number 1413/1, with a total area of 31.5130 hectares. Previously, authorities removed encroachments from government land in Hathaikheda. Planned relocation The administration plans to move the families to three locations: Bhauri, Kalkheda, and Malikhedi. Houses will be provided free of cost. The housing cost of Rs 2 lakh per family will be borne by the Manas Bhawan management. Funds for Malikhedi have already been deposited with the Municipal Corporation. Residents appeal to authorities Women from the tribal settlement met Patwari and explained their situation. They said they had built small houses in narrow lanes using loans. They appealed to authorities to reconsider demolition, stating that they have lived in the area for decades and now face losing their homes. Patwari visited the settlement personally to see the situation. He expressed that eviction should consider the residents’ long-standing presence and hardships. Administration readiness The Additional Collector Ankur Meshram had instructed officials to assemble behind Manas Bhawan on Monday. A total of 101 SDMs, Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars, Revenue Inspectors, and Patwaris were assigned duties for the eviction. Political tensions The eviction has become a political issue, with Congress actively opposing the move. Patwari stressed that the settlement is old and that eviction without proper consideration would be unjust. Officials are currently holding off the action, balancing administrative plans with political pressures.