Noida Authority Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Encroachments
In a significant move to address persistent traffic issues, the Noida Authority executed a comprehensive anti-encroachment drive on Thursday, targeting multiple sectors across the city. The operation aimed to restore sidewalks and enhance vehicular movement by removing unauthorized structures that have long plagued public spaces.
Widespread Coverage Across Key Areas
Teams from work circles 1 to 10 were deployed to conduct the drive, covering critical locations including sectors 10, 44, 69, 72, and 57. Additional areas such as Bhangel, Phase-2, and the Hosiery Complex were also included in the sweep. This action follows the Authority's earlier announcement this month to initiate daily drives against illegal vendors, hawkers, and stalls that occupy footpaths and roads.
Encroachments have become rampant in several parts of Noida, with notable hotspots like Atta Market and Sector 27 experiencing severe congestion. Street vendors selling clothing, food items, accessories, and various goods often set up temporary stalls on sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk on the roadway. These stalls frequently spill onto the carriageways, narrowing the available space for vehicles and significantly slowing down traffic flow.
Response to Public Complaints
AK Arora, the General Manager of Noida Authority, stated that the drive was launched in direct response to numerous complaints from residents, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and industrial associations regarding illegal encroachments. "In response to these complaints, we have initiated the drive. Regular enforcement action has been started," he emphasized, highlighting the Authority's commitment to addressing public concerns.
Operational Details and Challenges
During the operation, earthmovers and dumpers were utilized to dismantle and remove illegal kiosks, food carts, wooden stalls, and other temporary structures that occupied footpaths and carriageways. Enforcement teams were observed loading confiscated materials onto trucks, while several vendors hastily cleared their belongings to avoid penalties.
Sujit Kumar, a shopkeeper at Atta Market, shared insights into the daily challenges posed by these encroachments. He noted that the occupation of footpaths and roadsides forces vehicles to squeeze into limited space, creating traffic bottlenecks, especially during peak hours. "The problem mounts up with on-road parking due to lack of proper parking zones. The Authority conducts drives, but within a few days, encroachers return to the same spots," Kumar lamented, pointing out the cyclical nature of the issue.
Long-Term Solutions and Vending Zones
When questioned about the recurring problem of vendors returning to public spaces, Arora outlined the Authority's proactive measures. He revealed that designated vending zones have been developed across the city to regulate street vending and ensure livelihood security for hundreds of hawkers. Specific areas in residential and commercial sectors, such as sectors 18, 15, 19, 142, and Film City, have been identified where nearly 1,000 vendors can operate legally without causing traffic congestion or encroachment.
Arora added that vendors who apply will be settled in these authorized vending zones, providing a structured alternative to illegal setups. This initiative aims to balance the needs of street vendors with the broader public interest in maintaining clear and safe pathways for pedestrians and vehicles alike.
The anti-encroachment drive underscores Noida Authority's ongoing efforts to improve urban infrastructure and traffic management. By addressing both immediate obstructions and implementing long-term regulatory frameworks, the Authority seeks to create a more organized and efficient urban environment for all stakeholders.
