Yavatmal shuts shop against anti-encroachment drive

YAVATMAL: The one-day bandh against the ongoing anti-encroachment drive in the city, called by the action committee under the leadership of ex-MP Jambhuwantrao Dhote, received an overwhelming response from the trading community here on Thursday. The bandh was total as shop keepers and traders pulled down shutters throughout the day, which affected normal life.However, essential services, government and semi government offices and ST bus services remained unaffected. Banking institutions were also functioning normally.
Later in the evening, a delegation of shopkeepers under the leadership of JB Dhote and his wife ex-MLA Vijayatai Dhote met district collector Rahul Ranjan Mahiwal and apprised him of the consequences of the anti-encroachment drive launched since Saturday by the revenue, PWD, police, MSEDCL and municipality, and urged him to stop it.
After the meeting, Dhote told TOI that the district administration has shown a positive attitude towards their demand. He also cautioned the administration that they would intensify the agitation if their demands were not met.
“We will not allow the administration to raze the source of our livelihood,” Dhote asserted and demanded suitable alternative arrangements if the administration wants to free the roads of encroachments.
Mahiwal said they have put off the drive today due to the bandh and also lack of enough police force to protect employees from resistance by encroachers. “We shall resume the encroachment removal drive tomorrow,” Mahiwal said, adding that they have taken the drastic step owing to directions of the high court.
When asked about the approach of the ruling parties, Mahiwal said the government, particularly district guardian minister Sanjay Rathod, has clearly stated that he would not support encroachments on public roads and never interfere with the administration.
“We have to see the law and order situation too,” said municipality chief officer Deepak Kumar Meena, who seems to be worried about the possible disturbance by antisocial elements among encroachers. He could not give a convincing answer to a query about selective approach of the administration in the anti-encroachment drive. He also lamented the absence of public support for their drive.