Encroachments abutting Karimnagar highway demolished

Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) on Wednesday demolished illegal structures near Mahankali Temple in Karkhana. M Ramulu, assistant engineer, said, “More than 2,000 square yards were illegally occupied upto the main road by a vehicle servicing centre, mobile shop vendor, chicken centre and other petty business shops for at least 30 years.

There were many complaints that the highway became narrow due to encroachments.” Harini Wines, one of the shops at the location, which did not have a trade licence from the SCB, was seized and locked by the SCB authorities and served a notice. Anita Prabhakar, ward member three of the SCB, however opposed the demolition drive but the Karkhana Police intervened and settled the issue.

“The SCB is targeting a certain section of the people in my ward to defame me. If it wants to demolish, they should give a legal notice to the occupants. Now where they will go? 25 families have been affected.” Daldev Singh, owner of a garment shop which was demolished, says, “The SCB hadn’t provided any notice or time to vacate and now we will face losses.”