Siliguri, 30th July: The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) encountered significant resistance during its anti-encroachment drive aimed at clearing roads and drains on Nivedita Road in Champasari.
The drive began earlier on Tuesday at the vegetable market in Champasari More. Upon hearing about the eviction, MMIC member and Ward Councillor Dilip Barman arrived at the scene and declared that the market could not be removed. This led to a protest by vegetable vendors, led by Councillor Barman, brandishing TMC flags. The protest halted the SMC’s efforts to proceed with the eviction at the market.
Following this, the SMC continued the eviction drive on Nivedita Road, where they demolished illegal constructions and shops. Councillor Barman emphasized that the vegetable vendors are residents of Ward 46 and highlighted the importance of resettlement plans before any further evictions can take place.