As many as four houses were demolished near CIMFR-Digwadih campus during an anti-encroachment drive conducted by the district administration on Sunday.

However, the drive which started in the morning under the supervision of Jharia circle officer Rajesh Kumar had stopped midway following the intervention of Jharia MLA Purnima Singh, who reached the site and asked for some time on behalf of the 65 families living against whom the notices have been issued by the district administration much earlier.

A meeting was held between the CIMFR administration and the residents led by Singh under the supervision of district administration. Sub-divisional officer Surendra Prasad was present at the meeting where the administration had agreed to provide 15 days for shifting.

Sandhya Oraon, a resident, said: “In 1946, the then administration had provided the space to our forefathers. But after more than 74 years, we are suddenly being asked to evacuate the place. Now we do not have any other options.”

Singh said the CIMFR and district administration should have resolved the issue through talks rather than resorting to anti-encroachment drive. She said they could make temporary arrangements for those families whose houses were demolished on Sunday.

CIMFR director PK Singh said, “Notices have been issued to the families several times since the last two years. As many as 30 families have already shifted from the area and we will also provide transport facility to those who are willing to shift.”

“We have identified 12 financially weak families. Arrangements have been made to engage them as contractual workers with the agencies working for CIMFR,” said Singh, adding that the drive is being carried out as part of the expansion plan of the institute.

Prasad said, “The residents have been given 15 days to make their arrangements. But ultimately they will have to shift from here.”