RAIPUR,INDIA: The Bilaspur Municipal Corporation on Wednesday, in collaboration with the District Administration, has launched a major operation to demolish the 100-year-old Mission Hospital complex in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.

Ten encroachment squads, equipped with bulldozers, are actively involved in clearing the dilapidated structure, which had been commercially exploited despite being government land valued at crores. The operation follows the Commissioner Court's decision to uphold the acquisition of the land after the hospital's lease expired. The District Administration had previously taken control of the premises, but unauthorized use of the property persisted, with parts of the hospital, including the OPD and ICU, continuing to function as usual.

Declared unsafe due to its deteriorated condition, the hospital complex was deemed a threat to public safety. The administration had prohibited entry without permission to avoid potential accidents. Despite these restrictions, the facility continued to operate, with doctors maintaining their chambers and patients visiting regularly.

Complaints from locals highlighted the ongoing use of the hospital premises, including a medical store that remained open, supplying medicines prescribed by the doctors operating there. Additionally, some parts of the complex were rented out for residential purposes, while a red-colored building at the rear housed a nursing college. The college, equipped with facilities funded by an MLA, was also operational despite the termination of the lease.

The joint operation aims to reclaim the land and put an end to its unauthorized commercial and residential use. Bulldozers are currently razing the structure, marking a significant step in enforcing government control over the valuable property.