Nagpur, India: On January 30, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) demolished a century old deteriorating structure in the crowded Itwari area due to safety concerns. The building, which had weakened over time, posed a risk to residents.

The demolition took place on a busy market day, causing traffic congestion on Dharaskar Road, which extended to nearby small lanes. The 1,800 sq. ft. property, owned by Diwakar Kawde, was in a deteriorated condition.

For the last 25 years, the NMC had been trying to demolish the crumbling structure, located opposite the Itwari City Post Office on the narrow Dharaskar Road, which is now considered prime property.

However, three tenants at the front and a printing press at the back strongly resisted the demolition, even though the owner had abandoned the property long ago.

In the past few days, the NMC Gandhibagh Zone began the demolition process and instructed the four tenants to vacate the building. On January 30, the demolition started around 2 PM, and the road was barricaded on both sides.

The NMC team worked until 6 PM, but due to the property being surrounded by buildings on both sides, the JCB operator had to proceed with caution. By evening, around 80 percent of the demolition was completed, and during the process, the overhead wires were damaged, according to eyewitnesses.