The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has initiated a significant and sustained action against illegal encroachments, targeting some of the city's most congested market areas. This decisive move follows direct instructions from the municipal commissioner, aiming to reclaim public spaces and ensure orderly urban management.
Commissioner's Directive Spurs Action
VMC Commissioner Arun Mahesh Babu issued a clear warning to officials of Ward 13 and Ward 14 earlier this week. He directed them to tackle the persistent issues of encroachment and poor cleanliness within their jurisdictions. The officials were given a strict deadline of one week to show visible improvements and address these long-standing problems.
Acting on the commissioner's orders, the corporation's teams began their work on Monday. The drive gained full momentum on Tuesday, with focused operations in the historic parts of the city. The primary targets were the bustling and tightly packed marketplaces of the old city, where public pathways have been severely compromised.
Old City Markets and Karelibaug in Focus
The anti-encroachment squads concentrated their efforts in the Navabazaar and Mangalbazaar areas. These commercial hubs are characterized by extremely narrow streets and lanes, which are routinely encroached upon by shopkeepers extending their displays and street vendors setting up illegal stalls. The VMC's action aimed to clear these obstructions, allowing for smoother pedestrian and vehicular movement.
Simultaneously, another team addressed issues in the Karelibaug area. Here, the focus was on the stretch of road between Water Tank Crossroads and Sangam Crossroads. The major problem identified was haphazard and illegal parking that congested the roadway. The corporation's personnel took steps to remove these parking encroachments, aiming to restore the flow of traffic on this key stretch.
Towards a Cleaner, More Organized Vadodara
This coordinated drive underscores the VMC's renewed commitment to urban discipline and public space management. Encroachments not only cause congestion and inconvenience but also pose safety hazards, especially in emergency situations. By reclaiming footpaths and roads, the corporation is working to enhance accessibility and cleanliness for all citizens.
The success of this initiative will depend on consistent follow-up and monitoring to prevent the return of illegal encroachments. The week-long timeline given to ward officials indicates an expectation of sustained results, moving Vadodara towards better-managed and more citizen-friendly market areas.
