Luxury hotel newest demolition drive target

Guwahati, Jun 14 (UNI) A luxury hotel is the latest addition to the list of structures demolished in the city as part of the drive against illegal buildings.

The second floor of Hotel Prince, in front of the Nehru Stadium, was struck down today under the demolition drive initiated by Guwahati Development Department (GDD) Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Mr Sarma, after assuming office last month, had started a drive for identifying illegal structures in the city in a phased manner and demolishing them after proper legal formalities.

The GDD minister, in a recent press meet, had informed that 27 constructions had been demolished as on June 9 with 101 notices being issued by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation and the Guwahati Municipal Development Authority.

He had said, ''All illegal constructions will be demolished, without any exceptions. Guwahati will be transformed into a planned city soon.'' Mr Sarma had informed that action against 29 major buildings in the city, identified by the Police department as flouting building rules, would also be initiated soon.

The demolition drive has created a sensation in the city with the names of many prominent structures figuring in the list prepared by the authorities.

A section of owners whose structures had figured in the list have alleged political vendetta of the minister for targeting them.

However, the general public awaits for the execution of the minister's promise as the demolition of the illegal structures will bring succour to a number of their woes, including artificial flood and cramped roads.

UNI SG KK AKP1455