MC ‘inaction’ under scanner as illegal vendors choke roads in Ludhiana

Illegal roadside vendors have once again come under the spotlight with complaints from residents about increasing traffic congestion and encroachments on major roads.

The issue brings into focus what residents and elected representatives allege is “inaction” on part of the Municipal Corporation (MC).

Residents also expressed disappointment over the “delay” in setting up designated vending zones.

Manjit Singh, a resident of Gurdev Nagar, said the MC had been promising vending zones for more than a decade. “Land was identified and announcements were made, but nothing has changed on the ground. As a result, vendors continue to occupy roads and commuters continue to suffer,” he added.

Senior representatives have also raised the issue.

In a letter to MC Commissioner Ojasvi Alankar, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Prashar sought immediate action against the mushrooming problem.

In the letter, Prashar alleged unauthorised vendors had occupied several busy roads across the city, leaving little or no space for the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians. He said the situation had worsened in the absence of designated vending zones, forcing vendors to operate on roadsides and public spaces.

The letter highlights Lodhi Club Road in BRS Nagar, where a shed installed by the MC for sanitation workers has now been taken over by vendors, resulting in heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

He pointed out similar encroachments on several other busy roads and markets, including Jawahar Nagar Camp, Model Town Market, Shastri Nagar, Dandi Swami Road, Rahon Road, Jodhewal Basti Chowk, Madhopuri Chowk, Shingar Cinema Road, stretch Campa Cola Chowk to Sidhwan Canal, Ghanta Ghar Chowk and Chaura Bazaar.

Prashar alleged that though the Tehbazaari Branch conducts occasional drives, the action has failed to produce lasting results. He urged the MC chief to ensure accountability of officials responsible for enforcement and take strict action against those failing to curb illegal encroachments.

Residents said the mushrooming of illegal vendors was beyond control now.

Dinesh Verma, a resident of Haibowal, said illegal vendors could now be seen at almost every major road in the city. She added that the MC had earlier estimated the number of street vendors to be around 22,000, but the figure has likely increased significantly over the years. She demanded a fresh survey so the MC could prepare an effective plan for regulating street vending without affecting traffic.

Residents urged the MC to develop the long-pending vending zones and launch sustained enforcement drives to clear illegal encroachments, and pointed out temporary action alone had failed to solve the problem.