Sir,

This refers to the news item “MCC clears over 300 encroachments in Bannimantap” (SOM dated Jan. 5). Never before in the recent times have we witnessed the kind of action the Mysuru City Corporation took in clearing all illegal shops and encroachments on footpaths and other open spaces of government lands in Bannimantap and surrounding areas.

Against all odds, all and sundry were evacuated without any fear or favour. And this was possible because of two no-nonsense officers, Assistant Commissioner Mahesh and Development Officer Srinivas of Zone 7, who worked hard with their colleagues, Police, KEB and other agencies to handle this sensitive issue.

Some vendors had encroached footpaths and other spaces for decades, almost assuming to be their owners and enjoying the backing of netas and corrupt bureaucrats. So it becomes next to impossible for the honest and upright officials to dislodge them. Long time encroachers, no doubt, were the ones who are hurt the most this time.

Mysuru is a beautiful city. It has won twice the cleanest city award and clearing the encroachments was important to try and retain the top spot again. We cannot allow the squatters to deface the look of this city.

MCC must now keep an eagle’s eye and see that the encroachers do not return to their places once again after the Swachh Survekshan-2019 Survey is over.

If possible, the MCC should help and guide the vendors, who lost their livelihoods because of this unprecedented drive to relocate to the ear-marked zones the Corporation has created. Also, the officials who simply did their job should be saved from harassment, threats and transfers!

Kudos to MCC.

– Mubasher Mirza, Bannimantap ‘C’ Layout , 7.1.2019

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