Old HDMC stalls demolished in Hubballi on court orders

Based on a court order in favor of the city corporation, the HDMC stalls adjacent to the city hospital were cleared during a demolition drive in Hubballi on Wednesday. | Photo credit: KIRAN BAKALE

More than 50 stalls adjacent to the city hospital in Old Hubballi, which had become a hindrance to the free movement of ambulances and other vehicles to the hospital, were cleared in a demolition drive led by the city commissioner on Wednesday.

According to authorities, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) wanted to demolish 53 stalls which were in a dilapidated condition and also obstructed the free movement of ambulances and other vehicles to the city hospital in Old Hubballi.

However, traders running their small businesses went to court in 2018 to oppose the move, even as they refused to vacate the stalls for demolition.

The lawsuit dragged on for years, and the court recently ruled in favor of the city council’s decision.

On Wednesday, Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali himself led a demolition drive to clear the old structures.

Despite the opposition and arguments of several traders, the demolition drive was carried out under police protection.

The commissioner told them they were acting under a court order and asked for their cooperation.

Subsequently, all the old buildings adjacent to the city hospital were leveled in a demolition drive. Work to clear the debris is likely to continue for several more days, officials said.

Published – 17 Jun 2026 22:33 IST