MC to launch ‘yellow line’ drive against encroachments soon

The Municipal Corporation, Phagwara, is set to initiate a “yellow line” campaign aimed at clearing illegal encroachments from congested bazaars and narrow roads across the city. The move is intended to ease pedestrian movement, improve traffic flow, and restore accessibility in commercial areas that have long suffered from overcrowding due to unauthorised structures.

Talking to The Tribune here today, Municipal Commissioner, Phagwara, Dr Akshita Gupta said here today that the tenders amounting to Rs 10 lakh have already been approved to implement the project. Work is expected to begin shortly in key market zones where the problem of encroachments is most severe.

Gupta said the council is committed not only to reclaiming public spaces but also to improving core civic amenities. “The Municipal Council is working towards ensuring clean drinking water, a modern sewerage network, reliable streetlighting, and well-maintained roads. These steps are part of our broader vision to provide a better quality of life for the citizens of Phagwara,” she stated.

Local traders and residents have welcomed the initiative, though some have urged the MC to ensure that rehabilitation measures are in place for small vendors likely to be displaced. Civic officials, meanwhile, emphasized that the yellow line drive will be carried out in phases, with priority given to areas facing the highest levels of congestion.

The MC has also announced that it will strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent re-encroachment, ensuring that cleared spaces remain available for public use.

With the dual focus on infrastructure development and encroachment removal, Dr Gupta expressed her confidence to address long-pending civic concerns and bring visible improvements to the city’s urban landscape.