Prayagraj: A joint anti-encroachment drive was carried out on defence land in Prayagraj on Wednesday. More than 50 illegal structures, including temporary shops and kiosks, were removed from the Fort Cantonment area. The operation was conducted as part of continuing efforts to clear encroachments from defence land in the city.According to Defence PRO and spokesperson Wing Commander Debartho Dhar, the drive began around 10 am and covered areas including Qila Ghat, Akshayvat Road, VIP Ghat, Sangam Marg Road and Mahavir Road near Hanuman Mandir. The campaign was jointly conducted by officials of the Mela Authority, Cantonment Board Prayagraj, security staff of Ordnance Depot Prayagraj, Quick Reaction Team (QRT) personnel and civil police representatives. No reports of injuries, damage to public property or harm to vehicles were received during the drive.Defence authorities stated that earlier coordination meetings had identified four major temporary structures for further discussion with the Station Commander before final action. These structures are still present on defence land.Wg Cdr Dhar said that despite repeated coordination meetings and three consecutive anti-encroachment drives, the defence land has not yet been completely cleared of encroachments. As a result, the formal process of handing over and taking possession of the land could not be completed so far.
