Encroachments galore ahead of festive season

Satinder Pal Singh

Zirakpur, October 23

With almost two weeks left for Diwali and shoppers frequenting to markets to buy household items and gifts, encroachments in all city markets have proliferated.

Unabated encroachments on roads and footpaths in most of the city markets, especially in Baltana main market, seem to be causing inconvenience to commuters and pedestrians even as the MC authorities have become a mute spectator to the issue.

The Baltana road that connects to Sector 19, Panchkula, and other locations becomes congested during peak hours, causing inconvenience to commuters. Harry, a shopkeeper, said, “People visiting markets often park their vehicles along lanes, which results in chaos and traffic jams. This can further lead to accidents.”

Residents on VIP road rued that encroachment by roadside vendors led to choking of passage ways, but surprisingly the MC had shown no interest in removing them.

Girish Verma, Executive Officer, MC, Zirakpur, said the civic body had already formed teams to keep a check on roadside. Action would be taken against those who violated norms.