The Mysore City Corporation (MCC) and the Karnataka Slum Development Board evicted nearly 30 families for illegally occupying flats constructed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) in the city on Monday.
The apartment blocks at Aleemnagar, meant for rehabilitation of slum dwellers, was occupied by various families. The original allottees lodged a complaint with the authorities.
R. Nagaraju, Councillor of Ward Number 45, said the illegal occupants were issued notice and asked to vacate, but they had not responded. Hence, an eviction drive was launched with police protection on Monday.
He said some of the apartments had been converted to godowns, which were cleared so that the original allottees could move in. However, the eviction drive was not devoid of tension as the residents lodged a protest and began an argument with the officials. None of them possessed documents to claim ownership of the flats, said Mr. Nagaraju.
Adequate police strength ensured that the situation did not escalate and the operation to clear the flats, which commenced at 6 a.m., was over by noon.
Mr. Nagaraju said some of them had sought rehabilitation under JNNURM and were assured that their demands would be considered under a similar project, if there was a provision and they qualified for it. However, those evicted have vowed to stay put in tents in the vicinity till they are suitably rehabilitated. Senior officials of the Slum Development Board, Mysuru, were present.
