In a significant operation, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) successfully evacuated the dilapidated Maan Darwaza tenement located on Ring Road. This move comes after four years of repeated notices and warnings to residents. Despite resistance, the operation was carried out smoothly, involving a heavy deployment of personnel.
Heavy Team Engaged in Evacuation:
Early this morning, a team of more than 500 SMC officials and police personnel commenced the evacuation operation. The urgency of this action heightened following the building collapse incident in Sachin Pali village, prompting the corporation to take this matter seriously.
Residents Protest:
The tenement was primarily inhabited by poor and middle-class families, who found it challenging to relocate. During previous attempts to vacate the building, the SMC faced strong opposition from the residents, forcing them to retreat.
Tenement Vacated Amid Tight Security:
Today's operation saw the deployment of more than 350 police personnel to ensure security. Officials from the Limbayat zone of the SMC, along with over 100 beldars, were present to facilitate the evacuation. Out of the 900 flats, 150 were voluntarily vacated in the last two days. Following the administration's firm stance, the remaining flat holders began vacating their homes today.
Fourth Attempt at Tender Process:
Maan Darwaza Tenement falls under the Ring Road scheme. The SMC has already conducted the tender process three times without success. Currently, tenders have been issued for the fourth time. The redevelopment project includes the construction of the Doctor Baba Saheb Ambedkar Shopping Center, a school, an Anganwadi, and a fire station, along with the new Maan Darwaza Tenement. The entire project is estimated to cost Rs 192.29 crore.
The evacuation marks a significant step towards ensuring the safety of residents and paving the way for much-needed redevelopment in the area.
