UCIL issues fresh notice to 155 shopkeepers over encroachment

Mail News Service

Jadugoda: The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) served notices to 155 shopkeepers in Jadugoda for the fourth time, directing them to remove alleged illegal encroachments. The notice, issued by Additional Manager, Tapodhir Bhattacharya, triggered strong resentment among local shopkeepers and street vendors.

Traders at Mod Chowk, including chicken seller Mantu Ojha, questioned the legitimacy of the notice. Ojha argued that the company failed to specify the account number, plot number, and area of the land in its notice, making it unclear whether the land belonged to UCIL or the Public Works Department (PWD). He further stated that he had been running his shop at the same roadside location for over 30 years without obstructing traffic or encroaching on roadways. According to him, the company’s action was an attempt to deprive small traders of their livelihoods.

The shopkeepers have demanded that before any eviction, the company should first provide them with an alternative marketplace to continue their businesses.

Meanwhile, the UCIL management has issued an ultimatum, asking vendors to vacate the roadside within three days of receiving the notice. The company had alleged that illegal structures had been erected along the stretch from UCIL Hospital, Jadugoda, to Mod Chowk.

This was the fourth such notice by UCIL, following earlier ones issued on May 6 and June 16, which also sparked protests but did not result in removal of shops. The tension continued as shopkeepers vowed to resist unless a fair solution was provided.