Encroachment Row at Hanuman Temple Green Belt, BMC Launches Action

Tension flared near the Hanuman Temple at 1100 Quarters on Monday morning after members of a women’s cleanliness group and Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) workers were allegedly stopped and threatened by shopkeepers while distributing dustbins under the Seva Pakhwada cleanliness campaign.

According to eyewitnesses, when the women raised questions about nearly 25 unauthorized shops around the roadside green belt park, the shopkeepers claimed their setups were backed by the local BJP corporator of ward 48, Arvind Verma. The women immediately lodged a complaint with BMC encroachment officer Srishti Bhadoria.

Following the complaint, anti-encroachment teams arrived at the spot and continued removing structures until late evening. The green belt park, originally developed to serve as a dedicated green zone for residents, has long been encroached upon, raising concern among locals and environmental activists.

Corporator’s Response

Corporator Arvind Verma rejected allegations of supporting the illegal shops. “I have written several times to the Corporation to remove these encroachments. Many exist because of collusion with lower-level staff. My goal is to make the entire ward encroachment-free,” he said.

Civic Body’s Stand

Encroachment officer Srishti Bhadoria confirmed the action. “Our teams have seized goods and issued challans against some shopkeepers. The area will be completely cleared of illegal structures soon,” she stated.