They protested by forming a human chain on Thursday, saying that attempts were being made to remove old settlements and commercial structures in the name of road expansion.
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Local homeowners and businessmen have demonstrated against the preparations for the expansion of the main road along the Tribhuvan Highway in Birgunj.
They formed a human chain on Thursday, saying that attempts are being made to remove old settlements and commercial structures in the name of road expansion.
Residents and homeowners from the commercial area from Gandak to Miteri Bridge formed a human chain on both sides of the main road by joining hands. During the demonstration, they displayed placards with slogans such as ‘Stop the dozer terror’, ‘Destruction cannot be done in the name of development’, ‘We want development, not squatting’ and ‘Keep Birgunj’s main road as an urban road’.
Locals participating in the demonstration have said that the attempt to demolish houses and commercial structures built after completing the legal process for decades will seriously affect the economic activities and historical identity of Birgunj.
They have demanded that the main market area be developed as an urban road instead of a wide highway since the bypass road, an alternative route to the Tribhuvan Highway, has come into operation.
Addressing the protest rally, former mayor of Birgunj Vijay Saraogi said that they are not anti-development. He said that it would be unjust to use dozers in the name of road expansion without scientific studies, proper compensation and alternative arrangements.
