Encroachments: 2 AAP leaders find themselves on opposite sides

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 12

Two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders of the city found themselves on the opposite sides after the local municipal corporation launched a drive to clear roadside vendors, kiosks and carts from crowded areas.

Some city areas which have been facing big crowd and traffic problems (22 number Phatak, Bhupindra Road, Fuwara Chowk, Rajpura Road, near Iqbal Inn Hotel) were taken up as part of a pilot project to keep them clean and safe. This campaign aimed to strike a balance between the livelihood of street vendors and the increasing problems of road accidents and cleanliness.

The area residents and shopkeeper had flagged the issue by opposing the street vendors and blaming them for the traffic chaos. The residents and shopkeepers’ association had also brought the matter to the notice of AAP MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli, who sided with the residents and shopkeepers.

However, the matter escalated after AAP leader Baltej Pannu came out in support of street vendors and reportedly told the MC team led by Anish Garg, superintendent, and Munish Puri, inspector, to return during an anti-encroachment drive on the Bhupindra Road.

Today, a delegation of vendors met the municipal corporation (MC) authorities, where street vendors were asked to shift to alternative sites (along Nabha Road, away from the highway, along parking spaces) so that their livelihood was not affected.

According to authorities concerned, action was taken in order to make roundabouts and main roads of the city safe and accident free, so that smooth traffic flow could be maintained.

The MC authorities maintained that that no challans or coercive methods were used, and several announcements and warnings were given many days in advance.

Shifted to alternative sites

• On Monday, a delegation of vendors met the municipal corporation (MC) authorities, where street vendors were asked to shift to alternative sites (along Nabha Road, away from the highway, along parking spaces) so that their livelihood was not affected.
• The MC authorities maintained that that no challans or coercive methods were used, and several announcements and warnings were given many days in advance.