The demolition squad, led by Avtar Singh Kalsi, began removing the unauthorised structures around 9 in the morning and continued till 6 in the evening. The drive will continue tomorrow.

Around 250 hoardings were removed from phases XI, X, IX VIII, VII and III-B-2. The drive is being monitored by the Municipal Council's, Executive Officer, Yash Goyal.

According to sources, over a year ago, the MC had auctioned 50 sites in the township for putting up hoardings. The sites were auctioned till March 31, 2000. Hoardings put up at these sites are also being removed. Only those hoardings which have been put by the Mohali Police to educate the people on traffic rules have been left untouched.

Encroachments within 15 feet of the roads were also removed, said Avtar Singh Kalsi.

In Phase IX, the drive had to be suspended for sometime as some people tried to obstruct the drive, however, they dissapeared soon after, said a source.