In Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, authorities took strong action on Wednesday, 17th December, against illegal encroachments by running bulldozers on structures blocking a key road. The drive targeted the historic Gopal Toriya route under Kotwali police station limits, where long-standing illegal occupations had narrowed a 22-foot-wide colonial-era main road to just a 2-foot alley, making it tough for people to pass through.
Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh: The administration launched a major anti-encroachment drive, demolishing dozens of illegal houses on government land in the Housing Board area under Civil Lines police limits using three bulldozers. Encroachments in the premises of ancient Gopal Toriya… pic.twitter.com/CMc0r0KhiG
— IANS (@ians_india) December 17, 2025
The drive targeted 22 houses that had encroached on the public pathway. Local folks from the affected Muslim community got upset and claimed the houses were built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme, and the administration tore them down without giving enough time to respond. Tensions ran high at the site, with protests breaking out as people argued their homes were legitimate government aid projects.
But officials rejected these claims outright. SDM Akhil Rathore said notices had been served to the encroachers since April, warning them repeatedly to clear the road, yet they ignored every alert. The administration stressed that the road widening was essential for public good, especially since Gopal Toriya is an important historical spot that needs proper access.
Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh: SDM Akhil Rathore says, "Around 20 households are being partially relocated today to facilitate road widening. All residents are cooperating with the process." pic.twitter.com/YOQSt5JKFi
— IANS (@ians_india) December 17, 2025
They made it clear that no illegal occupation on government land or public routes will be tolerated, no matter what. This crackdown aims to restore the full width of the road and ease daily movement for residents. Similar drives have happened before in the area to free up spaces.
