In a novel move to address the persistent issue of illegal encroachment, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) has announced it will deploy drone technology to survey key city stretches. This initiative marks the first time the civic body is using aerial surveys specifically to map and assess the extent of unauthorized street vending.
Drone Survey Targets Most Affected Areas
The initial drone survey will focus on three critical stretches in the city, with Kala Patthar Road and Maliwara Chowk identified as the primary targets. Officials stated that these areas were chosen because they are among the most severely affected by roadside encroachment. The survey will cover a 500-metre area on both sides of the identified roads, providing a detailed, high-resolution assessment to guide future enforcement measures.
An official explained the rationale behind selecting these locations, stating that this pilot project will test the effectiveness of drone surveillance. The success of this exercise will determine whether similar surveys are rolled out in other encroachment-prone zones across Ghaziabad.
Ground Reality and Existing Vending Policy
The severity of the problem is evident to local residents. Ashish Kumar, a resident of Indirapuram, described the situation on Kala Patthar Road, noting that a short walk from Kala Patthar to Mangal Bazar Chowk involves navigating past dozens of vendors. He pointed out that the pavement has become extremely narrow due to encroachments, with vendors lining both sides of the stretch.
This enforcement drive exists alongside GMC's established vending policy. Under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, the corporation facilitates a one-time registration fee of Rs 200 for street vendors. However, this registration is only valid for dedicated vending zones, for which a survey is currently underway. The challenge lies in the widespread encroachment outside these designated areas.
Wider Problem Across Indirapuram
The issue is not confined to just two or three roads. In Indirapuram township alone, civic authorities have identified at least nine stretches where roadside encroachment is at its worst. The list of problematic roads includes:
- Kala Patthar Road
- Sucheta Kriplani Marg
- Dr Sushila Naiyar Marg
- Mall Road
- Vijaya Laxmi Marg
- Padmana Naidu Marg
- Kaveri Marg
- Sai Mandir Marg
- Mohan Nagar Link Road
The upcoming drone survey represents a technological shift in how Ghaziabad's municipal authorities plan to tackle urban management challenges. By creating an accurate map of encroachments, the GMC aims to move towards a more data-driven and systematic approach to clearing footpaths and restoring order to the city's key thoroughfares.
