The Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh initiated a substantial crackdown on unauthorized encroachments this Wednesday, targeting key areas of the city to reclaim public spaces and ensure smoother movement for pedestrians.
Operation Targets High-Footfall Zones
Led by Joint Commissioner Himanshu Gupta, the enforcement wing of the MC carried out the coordinated drive across several locations. The focus was on Sectors 40 and 20, along with Kajheri and Manimajra, where illegal vendors and temporary structures had significantly obstructed pathways and market corridors.
Enforcement Actions and Penalties
During the extensive operation, teams from the corporation physically removed encroachments that were choking vital public spaces. In a decisive move to enforce regulations, authorities also issued a total of 124 challans (penalty tickets) to violators. A majority of these were served to roadside vendors who were operating their businesses without the necessary permissions from the civic body.
Officials clarified that this was not an isolated action but part of a broader, ongoing campaign. The primary goals are to enhance public safety, improve cleanliness, and restore order in areas that experience heavy pedestrian traffic. By clearing these encroachments, the MC aims to prevent accidents, reduce congestion, and maintain the planned aesthetic and functionality of the city's sectors.
Focus on Civic Order and Future Plans
The drive underscores the administration's commitment to upholding civic laws and ensuring that shared spaces remain accessible to all residents. The removal of illegal structures from market corridors is expected to benefit both shoppers and legitimate shopkeepers by improving accessibility and visibility.
Residents have often complained about the hazards caused by such encroachments, which force people onto roads and create unsanitary conditions. The MC's action is a direct response to these concerns, aiming to strike a balance between informal vending and structured urban management. Officials indicated that similar drives would continue in other parts of the city to deter future violations and promote a culture of compliance.
