Officials of Ghaziabad Development Authority and Ghaziabad police, along with Brahm Deo Singh, the city magistrate of Ghaziabad, conducted an anti-encroachment drive in Indirapuram on Tuesday. The group started near Jaipuria mall at Ahinsa Khand 1 and continued till Mahagun Mansion Phase I, Vaibhav Khand. Residents and AOAs of the societies were also part of the drive.
The initiative, led by YN Chaudhry, head of GDA enforcement cell, set off at noon and continued till late in the afternoon. The civic authorities removed squatters, temporary-vendor stalls and kiosks, and demolished all unauthorised construction in sight. GDA officials also planted trees in the space cleared around Mahagun Mansion.
Arun Rai, president of Shipra Krishna Vista AOA, told City Spidey, that the initiative was a success. "We hope the squatters do not return," added Rai.
Residents had been following up with GDA to organise the drive. GDA had earlier scheduled the drive on May 20 but it had to be postponed, as certain officials were unavailable. Residents of ATS Advantage and Shipra Krishna Vista in Indirapuram had carried out an anti-encroachment drive in April.
Milind Manasvi, head of the external affairs committee of Mahagun Mansion, said that the drive was a success.
YN Chaudhry planting a tree near Mahagun Mansion
Speaking to City Spidey, Chaudhry said, that the drive was long overdue. "We are going to solve this problem once and for all," added Chaudhry.
Alok Kumar, president of FedAOA who was also present at the drive, said that it was a surprise attack on the squatters. "If the encroachments return, the problem will begin once again," said Kumar.
Alok Kumar (right), Milind Manasvi (centre) and Mohit Mishra (left) took active part in the drive