OPPOSING DISPLACEMENT: Residents and property owners gheraoing municipal personnel demolishing structures at Kazipet in Warangal on Tuesday. — Photo: M. Murali

KAZIPET: Mild tension prevailed near the railway station when municipal personnel began demolishing structures as part of road widening here on Tuesday.

Local corporator R. Sadanandam reportedly manhandled the personnel on duty and resisted the demolition of his building located opposite the railway station.

He contended that a big complex that came up against municipal norms should first be demolished.

Police rush to spot

Mayor E. Swarna, Commissioner Smitha Sabharwal, Deputy Mayor E. Ravinder and police officials rushed to the spot to pacify the agitating property owners.

Work was halted and an emergency meeting was held at the Municipal Corporation office to discuss the issue.

Warangal Municipal Corporation had embarked on widening of junctions and important roads in the town on a large scale.

Owners of property on the roadside, businessmen and residents pointed out that the earlier Municipal Commissioner had planned for an 85-foot road and demolished structures accordingly.

The owners had allowed the demolition and raised fresh structures after making way for development.

However, the present Commissioner was calling for more demolitions now.

"It will only result in loss to us in a big way. For the fault of officials who frequently shift places and change their plans, we should not be taxed," Mr Sadanandam said.

Mayor's view

When contacted Mayor E. Swarna observed that the decision affecting a large number of people should be taken cautiously.

"Whenever officials change, plans change. In the name of development, we should not put the people to inconvenience. We will call for a meeting with property owners and take a decision," she said.

Meanwhile, property owners, petty traders and residents of Kazipet are divided in their opinion.

A. Mohan Rao, a resident accused the officials of favouring the rich and leaving out their properties from the demolition drive.

He wanted officials to be impartial and spare no one.

T. Karunakar, a petty trader opined that the officials should go ahead with their plans as it only helped improve the city.

"While they are razing down the police station and school buildings, they should not leave out the properties of big businessmen and politicians," he contended.

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