Anti-encroachment campaign triggers concern among shopkeepers of Rohtak

The municipal corporation’s (MC) anti-encroachment drive has triggered concern among shopkeepers, with most city markets facing severe congestion and frequent traffic snarls due to encroachments, especially during rush hours.

Even, the encroachments pose a grave risk, with narrow market lanes leaving little room for fire engines or ambulances to access the area during emergencies. The problem escalated during the festival season, as temporary stalls were set upoutside shops but now the MC authorities have initiated work to remove encroachments.

“We understand that the encroachments create problems, but the shopkeepers often get encouraged to do so by seeing others doing the same. Everyone needs some space outside their shop to display goods, but I admit that many have encroached excessively, which is wrong. The authorities should first take action against the major offenders. Still, this sudden drive has left many of us worried,” said Rajneesh, a local shopkeeper.

The MC authorities had, on Monday, conducted a special campaign to remove encroachments from the main markets in the city and to recover outstanding property taxes. The campaign aimed at making the city’s roads free from encroachments and ensure smooth traffic flow. As part of the campaign, the municipal teams conducted intensive operations in areas, including Railway Road, Qila Road, Model Town and nearby localities.

“Encroachments on roadsides, footpaths, and public spaces were removed. During the operation, goods belonging to around 70 shopkeepers were seized, including racks, boards, banners, tents, tables, and other items illegally placed on the roads. The teams also issued warnings in all markets, advising the shopkeepers not to encroach, otherwise the municipal team will remove the encroachments and impose fines, for which they will be responsible,” said Anand Kumar Sharma, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation. He said strict action was also taken against property tax defaulters during the campaign.

“A PG located on Ladhot Road, a commercial property in Sun City, and commercial property in Bohar village were sealed, with nearly Rs 1.5 crore as outstanding dues. Notices had been issued to all defaulters previously, and sealing action was carried out according to regulations. Many property owners in the city still have unpaid taxes from previous years; notices have been issued to them as well, instructing them to pay promptly, otherwise the MC will take sealing and legal action as per rules,” said the commissioner.

Sharma emphasised that citizens also had a responsibility not to encroach on public spaces and to pay their outstanding dues on time. The MC would continue campaigns to remove encroachments and recover property taxes, he added.