Dhar Collector Rajeev Ranjan Meena carried out a surprise inspection across the city on Friday to assess the progress of development projects, the condition of government land, sanitation arrangements and ongoing construction works. During the visit, he issued on-the-spot instructions to officials, stressing timely execution of projects and improved civic management.

The inspection began at a vacant government land parcel opposite Naveen Lalbagh, where the Collector directed officials to prepare a comprehensive development plan that would ensure long-term public benefit. He said government land should be utilised effectively for projects that improve urban infrastructure and public services. Officials were instructed to prepare and submit proposals at the earliest.

Focus on Public Infrastructure

During the inspection, Meena also asked officials to prepare a list of old and dilapidated government buildings that require redevelopment. He instructed the administration to plan new construction projects in place of unsafe structures to improve public infrastructure and service delivery.

The Collector later visited another vacant government land parcel near Kila Maidan, where he reviewed the possibility of developing public welfare projects, including housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Officials were directed to explore suitable development options and prepare the required proposals.

Collector Expresses Concern Over Sanitation

Sanitation emerged as a major focus during the inspection. After noticing garbage accumulation around the Kila Maidan area, the Collector expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness arrangements.

He instructed the municipal administration to strengthen the door-to-door waste collection system and ensure regular cleaning across all parts of the city. Stressing the importance of maintaining a hygienic urban environment, he asked officials to improve waste management without delay.

Quality and Timelines Emphasised

The inspection also included a visit to the SPDA Ground, where public toilets are currently under construction. Reviewing the progress of the work, Meena directed officials to ensure that construction quality is not compromised under any circumstances.

He also instructed the concerned departments to improve the approach roads leading to the ground and complete all ongoing works within the prescribed timeline. The Collector said delays in development projects would not be accepted and asked officials to closely monitor execution at every stage.

Priority for Cost-Effective Development

Highlighting the need for efficient use of public resources, Meena directed officials to prioritise low-cost but high-impact development projects that can quickly benefit residents. He said proposals related to development works should move forward without unnecessary procedural delays so that citizens receive improved civic facilities at the earliest.

The Collector reiterated that the administration's focus remains on transparent planning, quality construction and timely completion of public projects.

Officials Present During Inspection

The surprise inspection was attended by SDM Ankita Prajapati, Chief Municipal Officer (CMO) Kunwar Vishwanath Singh, along with officials from the municipal administration and other concerned departments, who were instructed to ensure compliance with the directions issued during the field visit.

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.