Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau
The removal of encroachments from the premises of the Roadways depot in US Nagar district headquarters, Rudrapur, continued for two days, with the Uttaranchal Transport Corporation demolishing significant portions of illegal structures. However, the drive was abruptly halted after local MLA Shiv Arora intervened, citing the need for proper land measurement before proceeding with further demolitions.
The Transport Corporation had successfully demolished five out of eight permanent encroachments using JCB machines. A major portion of an unauthorized structure belonging to a dismissed corporation employee, located adjacent to the depot’s workshop premises, was also brought down using axes and hammers. Family members were seen removing their belongings from the lower floors as the demolition took place.
On Wednesday evening, the corporation resumed the demolition, deploying JCB machines to raze additional permanent structures. However, property owners requested time to vacate their premises, citing the need to remove household items. Meanwhile, some BJP leaders raised concerns over the demolition being carried out without proper land measurement.
Shortly after, MLA Shiv Arora arrived at the scene and directed officials to halt the demolition. Confronting Roadways AGM KS Rana, the MLA questioned the basis for the demolition drive. “If the encroachments are removed without accurate measurement, I will personally oppose it,” Arora said. He further warned, “If roadways authorities have demolished structures outside their designated land, action will be taken against responsible officials.”
Following his intervention, the demolition was put on hold. Arora contacted SDM Manish Bisht, instructing him to conduct a fresh land survey. Notably, a joint team of the Revenue Department and the Municipal Corporation had previously measured the depot’s land in 2021. As per their report, the boundary wall of the bus station covered 15,969.13 square meters (3.9 acres), while the designated area for the bus station and workshop was found to be 3.606 acres—less than the originally allotted 1.674 hectares by the government in 2011. The report also indicated encroachments on the allotted land.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, traders from Vishwakarma Market, located outside the Roadways security wall on Kichha Bypass, submitted a memorandum to ADM Ashok Joshi under the leadership of MLA Arora. They claimed to have been running businesses there for 45 years and sought rehabilitation before any eviction. “If Vishwakarma Market must be removed, alternative arrangements should be made first,” said Arora. In response, ADM Joshi assured that the matter would be presented to the District Magistrate.
With Roadways cracking down on illegal constructions, the Public Works Department (PWD) has also initiated action. On March 11, the provincial section of PWD issued notices to 47 encroachers occupying land near the Roadways complex and Kichha Bypass, instructing them to vacate within two weeks or face demolition. The PWD has termed the encroachments as obstacles to the expansion of the bus stand and the widening of the bypass. A major crackdown on these illegal constructions is expected this week.
