Encroachments by shopkeepers irk residents

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 18

Shopkeepers continue to encroach upon roads to display their articles and are giving a tough time to commuters in the city.

Although the Municipal Corporation has been lifting encroachments from time to time, it has failed to ring the bell among shopkeepers.

Be it Ghumar Mandi, Chaura Bazar, Brindaban Road, Model Town, one can see shopkeepers openly encroaching upon the road.

“There is no space left for parking as the yellow lane is generally occupied with articles displayed by shopkeepers outside their shops,” said Ritika, a city resident.

“One the one side, police challan vehicles which are found parked abruptly on road, on the other hand there is no space left for parking due to encroachments by shopkeepers. Instead of commuters, shopkeepers should be fined if a driver is unable to find parking space due to encroachment,” said Dinkar Gupta, a commuter on Brindaban Road.

Monica, a resident of Model Town, said: “Shopkeepers display goods outside their shops and encroach the road. Strict action should be taken against defaulters as it leads to traffic chaos on the road and also cause parking problem for shoppers,” she said.

Saudagar Singh, a senior citizen, said: “It becomes very difficult for senior citizens like us to commute on roads. There is no space for parking and that is the reason why I prefer hiring a taxi when I want to go shopping or visit a mall with my grandchildren.”

Meanwhile, officials from the Municipal Corporation maintained that they keep lifting encroachments from time to time to ease the smooth flow of traffic.