Encroachments belie MC claim

Despite the Municipal Corporation’s announcement that it will take action against encroachments on roadsides, a visit to various areas of the city reveals that the practice continues unabated. Roadside spaces are being used for selling construction material, repairing vehicles and displaying goods, among other activities.

Even as the residents welcome the MC’s announcement, they remain sceptical about the MC’s initiative. “It’s about time the MC takes action against encroachments. Our roads are becoming increasingly congested, and it is affecting the flow of traffic,” said Rohan Sharma, a local resident. He, however, added, “I am sceptical about whether they will actually follow through. We have seen promises like this before, but nothing seems to change.”

Another resident, Sunita Devi, echoed similar sentiments. “Encroachments are a big problem in our city. If the MC can remove them, it would make a huge difference. But we need to see consistent action, not just one-time drives.” She added that it is difficult to find even a single road in the city which could be considered as completely encroachment-free

The persistence of encroachments not only affects the flow of traffic but also impacts the city’s aesthetic appeal and cleanliness. The MC’s claim to issue challans and take strict action against encroachers has raised hope among local residents, but only time will tell if the authorities can successfully implement their plans and reclaim public spaces.

In many areas of the city, the roads are used for selling construction material and heaps of sand and gravel besides stacks of iron bars not only narrow the passage for the flow of traffic but are also a potential cause of accidents. Even most vehicle repair shops in the city use roadside areas as their workshop. Residents stated that the MC should take action against all those responsible for the unauthorised use of roadsides for commercial purposes. They demanded that footpaths should be freed for use by pedestrians.

“Our city, which is a tourist place, is in a mess presently. As its residents, we have been hoping for long that the authorities concerned would do something to improve the living conditions here. If encroachments are removed, most traffic chaos would automatically vanish,” said another resident Harpal Singh.