Bhopal Metro Phase II Demolitions Displace 260 Families

Demolition work for Phase II of the Bhopal Metro Rail Project continued for the second consecutive day on Friday, with bulldozers razing residential and commercial structures along Berasia Road and the Qazi Camp area.

Despite the ongoing demolitions, nearly 260 affected families claimed they were yet to receive compensation for their lost properties. These families alleged that they had been left without adequate financial support to secure alternative accommodation or rebuild their livelihoods.

The administration, however, maintained that more than 90% of eligible beneficiaries had already received compensation and shifting assistance. According to Metro officials, authorities are preparing a separate plan to relocate 34 religious structures falling along the metro alignment.

A detailed survey of the 30.17-km Orange and Blue Line corridors identified 1,342 affected properties, including 809 government-owned and 533 private properties. Of these, 1,218 structures are slated for complete demolition and 124 will be partially affected. The list includes 496 houses, 514 shops, 133 mixed-use buildings, four plots, 19 bus stops, and 21 public toilets.

To facilitate rehabilitation, the government has sanctioned Rs 446.87 crore, with around Rs 300 crore already transferred to the district administration for disbursal among eligible beneficiaries. Property owners are entitled to compensation based on land and structure valuation, while tenants receive a shifting allowance of around Rs 1 lakh.

However, several traders said the allowance was inadequate to rent new commercial premises, especially for businesses operating in the area for decades. They claimed that the compensation and shifting allowance were not sufficient to cover their losses.

City Circle SDM Deepak Pandey rejected allegations of delay in compensation, stating that all eligible property owners with valid documents had received compensation. He added that even occupants of encroached structures were compensated for the value of their constructions. Pandey said any remaining families with valid records would be verified and added to the compensation list.

The demolition and rehabilitation process is being closely monitored by the authorities, with a joint team of the revenue department, Bhopal Municipal Corporation, PWD, and Metro officials conducting property assessments for compensation.

The Bhopal Metro Rail Project is expected to bring significant improvements to the city's transportation infrastructure, but the displacement of families and businesses has raised concerns about the impact on the community. As the project progresses, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address the concerns of the affected families and ensure their rehabilitation.

The Supreme Court has also initiated contempt proceedings against the MP government over the Bhopal sealing drive, highlighting the need for the authorities to ensure that the rights of the affected families are protected.

In conclusion, the demolition work for the Bhopal Metro Rail Project has displaced several families and businesses, with many still awaiting compensation. While the authorities have maintained that most eligible beneficiaries have received compensation, the affected families have raised concerns about the adequacy of the support provided. As the project progresses, it is essential that the authorities address these concerns and ensure the rehabilitation of the affected families.