In a major anti-encroachment operation, the Indore administration on Saturday cleared approximately 25,000 square feet of government land behind Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital (MYH) and near the Super Speciality Hospital. Illegal structures built in the name of a mosque were demolished using heavy machinery, marking a firm step towards reclaiming public property.
The drive began at 7:30 am and lasted about one-and-a-half hours. Senior officials including SDM Ghanshyam Dhangar, Tehsildar Kamlesh Kushwah, Additional DCP Ramsnehi Mishra, ACP Tushar Singh, and municipal Zonal Officer Geetesh Tiwari led the teams. Two poclain machines, three JCBs, over 100 civic staff, and more than 100 police personnel were deployed on the spot.
Workers removed a boundary wall, common toilet, the front portion of a hall, and an adjacent garden area. Some local people gathered and protested, but officials persuaded them and the operation continued smoothly. The mosque committee has now been given seven days to voluntarily remove the remaining portion of the hall.
Court Order Clears the Way for Action
The entire operation was carried out on the basis of a clear Tehsildar court order. Tehsildar Kamlesh Kushwah rejected the claims made by the Waqf Board and mosque management committee. His order stated that only 300 square feet of construction was permitted in 1985. Over the years, the structure had illegally expanded to nearly 30,000 square feet on government land.
Records show the land falls in CRP Line area of Juni Indore tehsil, Block No. 12 (new survey 38). It is clearly listed as government land in Nazul records and lies in an unserved portion of the Residency area. The case came to light after a complaint by a local resident.
Investigation Reveals Tampering
During the probe, officials found that the original 1985 permission letter allowed mosque construction only within 300 square feet. Google satellite images confirm the initial structure was small. Shockingly, the word “mosque” appears to have been added later in different handwriting on the document.
SDM Ghanshyam Dhangar confirmed that the land belongs to the government and the administration is committed to protecting public property. “This action sends a strong message that no one is above the law,” he said.
Why This Matters Right Now
Indore has been witnessing a sustained drive against encroachments on government and public land. With hospitals like MYH and the Super Speciality Hospital already facing space crunch, freeing 25,000 square feet opens up possibilities for better civic facilities, parking, or green spaces in a high-traffic medical zone.
Local residents welcomed the move, saying it will improve access and safety around the busy hospital area. The administration has made it clear that similar drives will continue wherever illegal constructions are found on government land.
This successful Indore encroachment removal operation once again highlights the district administration’s focus on transparent governance and rule of law. Citizens can now expect cleaner, encroachment-free public spaces in the coming months.
