‘Operation Demolition’ in full swing

In a relentless drive against illegal structures and makeshift shops encroaching on pavements, drains and road sides, the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) continued with its ‘Operation Demolition’ for the second day and demolished more that forty illegal structures in the heart of the city.
On Thursday, demolitions were carried out at Tragopan Junction – Blue Hills Line – Haji Park and though there was a commotion created at Blue Hills Line against the demolition drive, the DMC’s JCB rolled on and brought down the illegal and unsightly structures that have for long stood in the way of free movement of pedestrians on sidewalks and pavements, smooth flow of drainage and easing of traffic congestion in Dimapur.
The demolition drive is also part of the district administration and DMC’s efforts towards beautification of Dimapur city, to make it at par with other thriving, spacious and clean cities.
On criticisms from certain quarters to ‘Operation Demolition’ DMC chairperson Khekaho Assumi said such opposition or reaction was not a new thing.
“Even in other major cities, people hav e moved courts against sealing and demolition drives. But individuals and groups here have also to realize that for ultimate benefit of all citizens of Dimapur, some individual sacrifices have to be made here and there, now and then,”  Khekaho said.
Traffic cell in-charge, DMC, G Kits denied that there was any undue harassment meted out to some citizens in the course of the demolition drive. Kits said since the drive would be uniformly carried out in all areas of Dimapur city, public should also put up with the temporary inconvenience instead of getting in the way.
Asserting that there was no looking back, the DMC also appealed to various organizations and general public to “strike while the iron is hot” by giving active support, suggestion and cooperation to the ongoing demolition drive.
It may be mentioned the DMC on Wednesday demolished around thirty shops and ghumtis.
Meanwhile, DMC Thursday issued a general notice to owners of RCC buildings encroaching on roadsides to demolish/vacate such buildings within one week, failing which the DMC would take action