Anti-encroachment drive on Simhastha reserved land:Municipal Corporation demolishes 20 houses, clears three hectares for fair preparations

The Ujjain Municipal Corporation carried out an anti-encroachment drive on land reserved for the Simhastha fair, demolishing 20 illegally constructed houses on Monday. The action was taken using JCB and Poklen machines, though residents were first given time to remove their belongings from the structures. The land, located behind the water tank in Madina Colony, Juna Somwariya, covers nearly three hectares and has been earmarked for the Simhastha fair. Over the years, several people had allegedly occupied the area and constructed houses on it. Officials said the land is considered strategically important for the organisation of the Simhastha event and is intended for the establishment of large camps during the fair. Earlier demolition drive faced legal hurdles The Municipal Corporation had previously conducted a demolition drive at the same site on October 18, 2024, during which around 80 houses and 10 warehouses were removed. However, the operation was later halted after some occupants obtained a stay order from the High Court. Following a recent zonal-level hearing, authorities issued fresh orders to remove the remaining encroachments. Action taken after hearing and notice period Acting on the latest order, the civic body demolished the remaining 20 houses on Monday. The administration is clearing the area completely in preparation for the 2028 Simhastha fair to ensure that no obstacles affect the event’s arrangements. Officials’ statement Rajkumar Rathore, Building Officer of Municipal Corporation Zone No. 1, said that the matter was heard at the zonal level following court directions. After the order was issued, occupants were instructed to vacate the land. Once the notice period expired, the anti-encroachment operation began on Monday morning, leading to the clearance of the remaining structures from the reserved land.