MC conducts anti-encroachment drive at Field Ganj

The Field Ganj Road in Ludhiana is one of the city’s busiest lifelines, connecting two major hospitals —Christian Medical College & Hospital (CMCH) and the Civil Hospital — while also leading to prominent places of faith such as Gurdwara Dukh Nivaran Sahib and Jama Masjid.

With such frequented places located along this stretch, the road remains crowded throug the day. Ambulances rushing patients often get stuck in the gridlock, creating life-threatening delays. Seeing this persistent chaos, the Municipal Corporation finally launched a strict anti-encroachment drive to clear the way.

The drive was carried out on Sunday afternoon under the leadership of Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar. The drive targeted roadside encroachments that have long been blamed for severe traffic jams.

During the campaign, an ambulance was made to pass through the congested stretch, visibly showing how encroachments obstruct the traffic flow by narrowing the passage. He emphasised that such life-threatening situations necessitated strict enforcement.

Citizens were urged to keep their goods within the three-foot yellow line boundary, ensuring footpaths and roads remain clear.

The corporation’s team removed stalls, carts, and goods placed outside shops, including those set up in front of closed shutters. Several shopkeepers protested, claiming they had not exceeded the three-foot limit. One trader lamented, “Sunday is when customers come in large numbers, but the corporation’s action has struck at our livelihood.”

Although no significant improvement was observed immediately after the operation, Prashar stressed that the campaign would continue until the city is freed from chronic jams. He warned that any shopkeeper keeping goods beyond the permitted limit would face strict action.

Residents hail move

• “Today’s action by the MC is commendable. I was on my way to CMCH and could finally see the road opening up. For people like me rushing to hospitals, this drive is a lifesaver,” Dr Ashish said.
• Another passerby heading towards Jama Masjid also said the move was much needed, as the congestion had made reaching the mosque in time for prayer hard. “Shopkeepers should not be allowed to encroach upon the road,” he said.

Sunday’s action

Reason: Frequent traffic jams, ambulances stuck in congestion

Directive: Goods must remain within the 3-ft yellow line boundary.

.