Stones Fly As Indore’s RE-2 Clearance Begins In Kanadia; 2 Injured, 8-9 Detained

Indore's Kanadia area witnessed a tense standoff on Tuesday morning as an Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and district administration team cleared structures obstructing the unfinished RE-2 road. The operation, which began around 11 am in Bicholi Kankad, Shiv Nagar and Shiv Darshan Nagar, faced opposition from residents, leading to stone-pelting incidents. JCB and poclain machines were deployed, backed by a heavy police presence, as the team aimed to remove both temporary and permanent structures.

Additional DCP Amrendra Singh reported that the operation concluded peacefully, despite the initial stone-throwing as machinery was being cleared. Around eight to nine individuals were detained, and two persons sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital. SDM Ghanshyam Dhangar explained that the joint team, acting on the collector's orders, targeted around 70 to 80 houses obstructing the road construction.

Those involved were first counseled and asked to remove their belongings; later, some women and children resorted to stone-throwing, which ceased after additional counseling.

The RE-2 road, stretching over 4.25 km and 45 meters wide, had seen 3.20 km completed at a cost of approximately Rs 55 crore. Seven settlements were identified as obstacles along the alignment, affecting 325 families. Authorities stated that 303 families had already been relocated, with 22 houses remaining due to a court stay. Post-court decision, accommodation was provided, and families were served 15-day notices. Aside from the 22 houses, 58 temporary illegal structures were also removed.

The next phase of the clearance drive will target Shiv Nagar and Shiv Darshan Nagar, where 117 families reside in 80 houses, and 72 families in 55 houses. These families are also slated for relocation to the Nilgiri campus under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Once the remaining stretch is completed, RE-2 is anticipated to enhance connectivity between Bhuri Tekri, Pipliyahana, Bengali Square, and the Nayta-Mundla RTO area, alleviating traffic pressure on existing roads.