The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) started demolishing hutments in Subhashnagar, situated on the banks of the Tapi, on Monday.

The drive aims at clearing 559 huts illegally constructed on the banks of the Tapi at Subhashnagar in Adajan.

Of the total, the SMC has allotted 410 houses to the affected families under the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Housing schemes at various places in the city.

During the drive, the officials found disputed cases of 149 hut owners who had failed to submit the required documents.

The SMC had allotted houses only to those who had submitted documents or proof of their stay, since 2005, with the civic office.

During the drive, some agitated residents pelted stones at the

civic officials and the police, in which five police officers including one Inspector was injured.

Later, the demolition work resumed after the situation was brought under control.

“Some argument took place between the civic officials and some of the residents. The police tried to sort it out, but the residents pelted stones at them. Five police officers including Inspector R H Hadiya were injured in the incident,” said a civic official present at the spot.

“Later, the police resorted to a minor lathicharge and brought the situation under control,” he added.