Encroachments back in Chaura Bazar again

Shivani Bhakoo

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 14

Encroachments are back at the busiest Chaura Bazar yet again!

The Municipal Corporation authorities had removed temporary encroachments from Girja Ghar Chowk to Ghas Mandi Chowk six months ago, but this respite seemed short-lived as temporary encroachments have started cropping up in markets again. The MC, too, it seems has turned a blind eye towards the High Court’s directions. 

Earlier, these encroachments were removed by the Municipal Corporation on High Court orders in COCP No. 27 of 2013. After removing these encroachments, a status report of the same was also filed before the court by the civic body vide affidavit dated January 15, 2016. 

Not just that, former MC Commissioner GK Singh had also issued directions vide office letter no. 387/PS/D dated January 7, 2016, which mentioned that parking of vehicles, deposit of bench, stool, chair, rehri and other movable articles, including dummies, were strictly prohibited in Chaura Bazar. 

Santokh Singh, a shopkeeper, said: “Rehris/ temporary encroachments have again cropped up now. These people are being supported by a few shopkeepers. The municipal authorities have failed to maintain the status of the encroachments that were removed. These encroachments can be witnessed over the road portions from Girja Garh Chowk to Ghas Mandi Chowk of the Chaura Bazar.” 

A tehbazari wing staff member said these encroachments that had re-cropped were well in the knowledge of the municipal authorities, but they were least bothered to take any definite steps to make the areas encroachment free. 

“It a routine matter. Whenever the municipal authorities take action to remove encroachments, the encroachments crop up again the very next day. Since the court is also not very strict, all are taking it lightly. The higher-ups prefer to look the other way as Assembly elections are scheduled next year and no one wants to spoil the vote-bank,” said an employee with the MC. 

Chaura Bazar remained in controversy for long as the higher-ups in the civic body also wanted the state government to regularise these permanent encroachments. 

The shopkeepers have extended the road-portions and encroachments galore all-over giving very little space for commuters to move freely. 

The High Court had issued directions to at least remove temporary encroachments and orders were implemented by the MC, which provided great respite. But now, the temporary encroachments are back again so are the problems such as congestion and traffic jam.