Municipal Corporation re-launches anti-encroachment drive in Panipat

After five-day relaxation given to shopkeepers and showroom owners for removing illegal structures, including balconies and ramps, on their own, the Municipal Corporation (MC) once again launched an anti-encroachment drive in the city on Monday.

A team of the MC, along with the JCB machine, reached Salarganj Gate Market today and initiated the anti-encroachment drive. When shopkeepers arrived there and tried to oppose the drive, officials of the MC showed them videos of encroachments which were recorded during the last two days. After seeing videos, traders relented and the MC teams demolished ramps in front of their shops.

Notably, the MC has permitted only 2.5 feet ramp and balconies in shops in markets. Scores of shopkeepers removed their encroachments voluntarily during the last five days, but some failed to do so after which the MC started the drive today.

MC XEN Gopal Kalawat said at least 35 to 40 ramps were razed with the JCB machine in Salarganj Gate Market after which their team reached Jatal Road. A private hospital encroached the road by making a shed to keep oxygen cylinders there. The MC team removed the shed. A dealer had encroached road by keeping bamboos for the past many years which were removed by the MC team.

After removing encroachments at Sanjay Chowk on Jatal Road, the MC team removed illegal occupation at Eight Marla Chowk. The team removed guard rooms of a private hospital on the road. Kalawat said around 40 ramps were removed on Jatal Road. He said the anti-encroachment drive would continue in the city in the coming days. MC Commissioner Dr Pankaj Yadav said the drive aimed to beautify city and make commuting easier for residents and shopkeepers in markets. After removing illegal structures and ramps in markets, the MC would beautify roads.