Illegal roadside occupants evicted in IW
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 12 2025: The district administration of Imphal West in coordination with security personnel and district revenue officers carried out an eviction drive to remove unauthorised structures and encroachments along public roads and footpaths under the jurisdiction of the district on Saturday.

The initiative led by Imphal West DC Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh started from Keishampat Junction at 7 am .

The drive was conducted in response to an order issued by the DC on July 4 against unauthorised occupancy of public spaces including roads, footpaths within the district, causing inconvenience to the public, obstructing free movement of traffic and creating safety hazards to the commuters, etc .

Illegal roadside occupants evicted in IW

Speaking to media persons, DC Rajkumar expressed disappointment over the rampant misuse of public infrastructure, particularly footpaths that have been taken over for business and private use.

He asserted that despite multiple eviction notices served in 2022, 2024, early 2025 and most recently on July 4, illegal occupation persisted, prompting the district authorities to take action.

He stated that encroachers were served a deadline until July 11 to voluntarily vacate.

However, as the deadline passed without compliance, the district administration commenced the eviction process on Saturday from Keishampat to Malom stretch.

He added that similar drives would be carried out in other areas, including the Uripok stretch.

The DC also informed that removal charges for the dismantled structures and debris would be recovered from the owners, mentioning that notices have been served to pay a fine of Rs 1000 .

However, if the charges are not paid within 10 days of notice, further penal action will be initiated.

He then urged the public to support the efforts initiated by the district administration, urging them to help preserve public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and drainage systems for the collective benefit of society.

Additional DC K Jadumani Singh, who was also present at the site, reiterated that the drive aimed to remove encroachments and illegal extensions of unauthorised structures and items along the roadside and footpaths.

He emphasised that previous eviction notices had clearly instructed the public to remove such obstructions.

He noted that the piling of construction materials, wires, tyres and construction of unauthorised business structures has obstructed free public movement and ad versely affected the overall law and order situation.

During the drive, numerous illegal structures including signboards, tin sheds and street vendor stalls and other construction materials were demolished and removed.

Mention may be made that the DC's earlier order had directed the encroachers to remove all illegal structures, items and debris along the national highways, state highways, inter-district roads, inter-village roads, other roads and footpaths within Imphal West district latest by 3 pm of July 11 .