Mysore/Mysuru: The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) stepped back from a demolition drive in city this morning. Reason: Presence of a COVID-recovered patient in an illegal structure. 

MUDA Commissioner Dr. D.B. Natesh had issued a notice to his subordinate officers asking them to report at Kuvempunagar A and B Blocks near Double Tank at 5 am today for a demolition drive. The area is located in MUDA Zone 2 where structures were illegally built on the Government land. However, the demolition drive was postponed as the family staying in the illegal structure requested MUDA to put off the demolition due to the presence of a COVID-recovered patient in the house. 

“The family had told us that they had just brought a COVID-recovered patient from the hospital and they would vacate the house within three days. In the present circumstances, it will not be possible for them to vacate the house,” an officer told Star of Mysore. 

MUDA considered the request on humanitarian grounds and did not go ahead with the demolition. “We have given time and if they do not vacate the structure within three days, we will demolish it,” the officer said.