Kazi Camp Residents Face Uncertain Future Due to Bhopal Metro Project
For many families in Bhopal's Old City, the dream of a modern metro has turned into a distressing reality. Decades-old homes and shops in the Kazi Camp area are being demolished to make way for a metro station, leaving many families anxious about losing both their livelihoods and their homes. Residents state that while they welcome development, they do not accept it at the cost of displacement.
Demolition and anti-encroachment operations began on Monday, with protest banners appearing outside numerous homes and shops. Business owners—many of whom have operated in the area for decades—argue that the compensation being offered is woefully inadequate, making it impossible for them to restart their businesses or purchase new premises.
According to local traders Pyare Khan, Badshah Khan, and Saeed Khan, many of the affected properties are over 80 years old and have sustained families across generations. They contend that compensation ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh is insufficient to rebuild their lives.
Residents emphasize that these properties are more than just buildings; they represent years of hard work, family memories, and financial security. Many fear that once their shops are demolished, they will struggle to support their families.
Attempts to obtain a response from officials associated with the metro project were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, anxiety among residents is mounting due to the likelihood of further demolitions along the route of the underground metro and the Blue Line corridor. People maintain that they are not opposed to the metro project itself but believe that those affected should receive fair compensation and proper rehabilitation before being displaced.