Siliguri: The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Thursday demolished an alleged unauthorized Trinamool Congress (TMC) party office situated along a riverbank in Ward No. 47 as part of its ongoing anti-encroachment campaign. The demolition, carried out with heavy machinery under administrative supervision, marked one of the most prominent actions taken in the city's latest drive against illegal structures.
Municipal officials stated that the structure had allegedly been erected without the necessary civic permissions on government land along the riverbank. According to the administration, the demolition followed the issuance of an official notice, after which the unauthorized construction was removed during Thursday's operation.
The action drew significant public attention, with local residents, political workers, and law enforcement personnel gathering at the site. Security arrangements were strengthened to ensure that the operation proceeded without any major disruption. No reports of violence or injuries were immediately available.
The demolition comes amid an intensified campaign by the Siliguri Municipal Corporation to clear encroachments from public land, roadsides, and environmentally sensitive riverbank areas. Civic authorities have maintained that the drive is aimed at restoring public spaces, improving urban infrastructure, and reducing the risks associated with unauthorized construction in vulnerable locations.
Municipal Commissioner Bir Bikram Rai had earlier confirmed that the structure was considered unauthorized and that a demolition notice had been served before the action was carried out. Officials reiterated that the encroachment removal exercise would continue across different wards wherever illegal constructions are identified, irrespective of ownership or political affiliation.
The demolition has sparked political debate in the city, with opposition leaders welcoming the action as enforcement of civic laws, while some TMC supporters questioned the timing and alleged selective implementation of the drive. However, municipal authorities have maintained that the operation was conducted strictly in accordance with legal procedures and applicable municipal regulations.
Officials indicated that additional inspections are underway across Siliguri to identify further unauthorized structures, particularly those located on riverbanks, roadsides, and other public lands. The civic body has urged residents to comply with municipal regulations and refrain from occupying government property without proper authorization.
