Manali MC tells vendors to remove encroachments from all footpaths

The Manali Municipal Council (MC) has issued a public announcement warning illegal encroachers to remove unauthorised stalls and rehris from footpaths and streets. Vendors occupying key areas such as Gompa Road, Mall Road, Manu Market, Sabzi Market and Model Town have been cautioned that failure to comply will result in the confiscation of goods.

Many of these illegal hawkers, including sellers of siddu, momos, golgappas, peanuts and gulab jamun, have taken over pedestrian pathways, causing inconvenience to tourists and locals. Additionally, hawkers on the Mall Road have been seen selling ‘pan’ and cigarettes, while children of migrant families are engaged in selling balloons or begging. Some shopkeepers have also encroached on footpaths to extend their businesses. Even street masseurs operating in the area have been deemed a nuisance.

MC president Manoj Large stated that a special campaign, Swachhata Prahari, has been launched to restore order and cleanliness in the town. He emphasised that encroachers are currently being asked to vacate voluntarily, failing which strict action, including heavy fines. He also announced plans to form vendor committees to find a long-term solution to illegal encroachments.

Despite previous MC efforts, local traders claim instances of collusion and selective enforcement have hindered the crackdown. In response, councillors are now personally monitoring the situation.