The Hindu : New Delhi News : Biggest demolition drive clears Naraina bottleneck

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jan 31, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Biggest demolition drive clears Naraina bottleneck

NEW DELHI, JAN. 30. Scores of bulldozers today levelled the biggest bottleneck on Ring Road, clearing around 400 illegal structures in Delhi's biggest demolition drive today.

Around 500 police personnel, many of them in riot gear, ambulances and fire trucks stood by as machines knocked down encroachments standing on both sides of Ring Road from Naraina to Brar Square since 1952.

"This was the biggest demolition drive to clear the biggest bottleneck on Ring Road," DCP Dependra Pathak said.

Other departments involved in the day-long operation at the one-km stretch were the PWD, NDPL, Delhi Jal Board, MTNL and the Fire Brigade.

A couple of places of worship were, however, spared during the road clearance drive. "We have spoken to their religious committees to work out a solution," Mr. Pathak said while he was supervising the operation.

A court stay also saved one block falling within the 55 feet on either side of the road earmarked for bulldozing. The final court order over its fate is expected on February 3.

The drive met with no resistance but both inbound and outbound traffic from Naraina and Brar Square was diverted.

The encroachments had been plaguing at least 700 meters with the biggest traffic snarls on Ring Road despite several new flyovers promising a smooth ride for commuters.

Numerous residents along the Naraina stretch had intruded into Ring Road, some earning hefty rents from commercial use of their encroachments. A local resident claimed there were 40,000 people who would have to `recede' to their original homes.

But commuters welcomed the road clearance, hoping the ride down the Naraina flyover would become smooth and fuel-saving. -- UNI

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