‘Demolitions carried out as per rules’

PNS|Guntur

Municipal Commissioner Keerthi Chekuri has made it clear that the demolition of houses in the Srinagar colony here was carried out as per the rule and regulations and denied reports that the demolition drive was taken up without prior information.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, she claimed that the demolition drive was taken up after taking consent from the house owners. She also made it clear that no one was forcibly vacated their houses and the houses of those who protested against the demolition drive on Wednesday had not been demolished. She dismissed news reports that the demolition of structures was taken up without prior intimation or issuing notice.

“All should understand that road widening is imperative for the free flow of traffic and also for the development of the city. All should cooperate with the municipal authorities to develop the city,” she appealed. The Commissioner said that the house owners of two houses, out of the 10 house owners, who consented to the demolition of houses, voluntarily demolished their houses for road widening. The compound wall and staircases were removed for the rest of the 8 houses.

“According to the law, those who are affected by the expansion of the bypass road and those who have B.Form title deeds are entitled to TDR. Since it is not possible to give bonds to them, the Mayor has also promised to give compensation for the loss, and steps are being taken to identify the deserving ones and give them a house in Jagananna Layouts,” she explained.