The Times of India               19.06.2013

Self demolition of structures built on encroached land in Surat

SURAT: In a rare action, residents of illegally constructed two societies have started self demolition of their residential structures in Varacha zone of the city in last three days.

According to the details available, Gokulnagar socieity located at Rachana Circle houses 22 shops and 48 residents. It was built illegally in 1995 when the Town planning (TP) scheme was not finalized. It did not have any permission of civic body.

SMC asked them to vacate in 2004 and was ready to provide alternate space in a plot located opposite to the existing society. However occupants did not pay up the requisite amount and their right was forfeited.

When the TP scheme of the area was finalized, a 24 meter road was approved on the land in question and civic body insisted on removal of illegal structure.

In the case of Garden gate apartment also built illegally by encroachment in 1995 and located in Nana Varacha area of the city, the whole structure is on civic body land where a 36 meter road is planned.

"There was no question of any alternate space for the people of this illegal apartment. However they have agreed to self demolition started work so we are happy." said

PD Munshi Executive Engineer, Varacha zone of Surat Municipal Corporation ( SMC) said.

In both the cases, nearly 75 per cent demolition work is complete and remaining work will be over by week end.