The Delhi Traffic Police, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), carried out a comprehensive four-day anti-encroachment and unauthorised parking drive across the national capital from June 3 to June 6. The operation, directed by the Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic), targeted all traffic circles and ranges in Delhi.
Scope of the Drive
Authorities focused on major roads, market areas, footpaths, service lanes, parking zones, and other congestion-prone locations where encroachments and illegal parking had been affecting traffic movement and public safety. According to officials, action was taken at 144 locations across the city.
Key Statistics
- 1,264 rehri-patri encroachments occupying roads and footpaths were removed.
- 1,015 other encroachments, including temporary kiosks, unauthorised commercial displays, illegal extensions, and obstructive structures, were cleared.
- 3,123 vehicles found illegally parked, abandoned, or obstructing roads and pedestrian pathways were impounded or towed.
- 55,532 challans were issued for causing obstructions and disrupting traffic flow.
Impact on Traffic and Safety
Officials noted that unauthorised parking reduces road capacity, creates bottlenecks, and discourages motorists from using authorised parking spaces. Encroachments and illegal parking pose multiple challenges, including pedestrian safety risks, traffic congestion, reduced road-carrying capacity, delayed emergency response, and reduced visibility at intersections. Encroachments often force pedestrians onto carriageways, increasing accident risks, while blocked service lanes hinder the movement of ambulances and fire tenders.
Phased Enforcement Initiative
As part of the first phase of a focused parking enforcement initiative, authorities concentrated on six locations: Spark Mall in Kamla Nagar, M-Block Market in Greater Kailash-I, Hauz Khas, Qutub Road, Nizamuddin Basti, and Parade Ground. The second phase will target Max Saket, Church Mission Road, Pushp Vihar Road, Max Shalimar Bagh, Yousuf Sarai-Green Park, Alaknanda Commercial Complex, areas near the Community Centre and Sabzi Mandi in Geeta Colony, Car Bazar area in Laxmi Nagar, the stretch along Geeta Colony boundary wall, and the vicinity of Karkardooma Courts.
MCD's Zero-Tolerance Policy
The MCD reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal occupation of public land and warned that unauthorised structures violating building bylaws or safety norms would face demolition and sealing under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act. The civic body urged shopkeepers, street vendors, and property owners to voluntarily remove encroachments from public walkways and avoid illegal commercial activities in residential areas. Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Welfare Associations (MWAs), and citizens were encouraged to cooperate with enforcement agencies and use designated parking facilities.
