The Siliguri Municipal Corporation and Kurseong Municipality conducted anti-encroachment drives in Siliguri and Kurseong towns on Monday. During the drive, over 150 unauthorised structures were dismantled in both places.

In Kurseong, the civic body is run by a board of administrators, conducted the eviction drive for the first time in recent years.

There were over 100 such encroachments removed or dismantled in the presence of Brigen Gurung, the chairman, and Subhash Pradhan, the vice-chairman of theBoA of the municipality, in association with the policeand the sub-divisionaladministration.

Pradhan said a week ago, owners of the shops and shanties which had come up on government land, were served prior notice. They were also reminded through the public address system and finally, the drive commenced on this (Monday) morning.

“There were many trade license holders who had illegally occupied areas and many of them were doing business by extending unauthorized portions of their stalls. Such practices led to traffic congestion and also clogged the sewage system. As a result, locals were facing inconveniences. That is why, we conducted the drive and it will continue during the next couple of days,” Pradhan said.

The hill town is around 50km from Siliguri.

The hill civic board removed the encroached structures in Hat Bazar and some other prominent areas located along NH-110.

In Siliguri, the civic staff on Monday removed and dismantled many unauthorised structures from Jalpai More to Tinbatti More. Around 50 structures were removed.