The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has significantly intensified its ongoing campaign against illegal encroachments on public land and footpaths. In a targeted enforcement action conducted on Tuesday, officials focused their efforts on two key areas: the bustling Sector 26 market and the busy streets of Manimajra.
Major Crackdown on Unauthorized Occupations
During the rigorous anti-encroachment drive, a team of MC officials, led by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Harvinder Singh, took decisive action against violators. The operation resulted in the issuance of a total of 29 challans (fines) to shopkeepers and vendors found flouting municipal norms. The primary violations included the illegal extension of shop fronts onto public footpaths and the unauthorized use of space for commercial activities, which severely obstruct pedestrian movement.
Focus on Sector 26 and Manimajra Markets
The enforcement team specifically zeroed in on the Sector 26 market, a major commercial hub, where many establishments were found encroaching upon the pedestrian pathways. Simultaneously, similar violations were addressed in Manimajra. The officials emphasized that the drive was not merely a one-day event but part of a sustained effort to reclaim public spaces and ensure the free flow of traffic and pedestrians. The challans were issued under the relevant sections of the municipal bylaws, holding the offenders accountable for their actions.
Commitment to Sustained Enforcement
Municipal Corporation authorities have made it clear that such drives will continue with regularity across different parts of the city. The objective is to maintain a strict check on all forms of unauthorized occupation that compromise public convenience and safety. The SDO warned that no leniency would be shown to those who repeatedly violate the rules, indicating that stricter actions, including potential removal of encroachments, could follow if compliance is not achieved. This initiative underscores the MC's commitment to urban discipline and the preservation of Chandigarh's planned architecture.
The crackdown has sent a strong message to the business community about the importance of adhering to civic regulations. Residents and visitors can expect clearer, more accessible footpaths in these areas as the corporation reinforces its zero-tolerance policy towards encroachments that disrupt public order and the city's aesthetic.
