The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal encroachments in the Dharampeth zone, uncovering a disturbing pattern of unauthorized vendors operating with bogus vending licenses and brazenly reoccupying public spaces within hours of eviction drives.
Fake Licenses Discovered
Assistant Municipal Commissioner (Enforcement) Sanjay Kamble confirmed that four to five vendors were found using fake licenses during recent inspections. "These are not isolated cases. We are seeing a pattern where vendors produce forged documents to evade action," he said, indicating the presence of an organized racket behind the malpractice. The NMC's enforcement department has initiated an inquiry into the matter.
Previous Scam Exposed
This is not the first time hawkers have possessed illegal licenses. In the past, the Times of India had exposed a possible major scam in the NMC's market department, where individuals allegedly sold hawker registration certificates with official holograms for Rs 1,000, despite the civic body discontinuing such documents in 2017. Issued under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), these certificates—some backdated to 2016-17—bear authentic-looking stamps and even include precise location and registration details.
Rapid Reoccupation of Public Spaces
What has further alarmed officials is the speed at which encroachers return. The anti-encroachment squad identified a similar number of vendors who resumed operations on roads and footpaths shortly after being evicted. "Despite repeated drives, the same individuals return and occupy prime stretches, creating obstructions and defeating the purpose of enforcement," Kamble added.
Legal Action Intensified
The civic body has now decided to escalate its response. First Information Reports (FIRs) will be filed against vendors found using fake vending licenses, as well as those who repeatedly reoccupy spaces after eviction. Officials say this marks a shift from routine eviction drives to stricter legal action aimed at deterrence.
Impact on Dharampeth
Encroachments have long plagued Dharampeth, particularly around busy stretches like VNIT Square, Yashwant Stadium, and Shankar Nagar, where footpaths are routinely taken over, forcing pedestrians onto roads and worsening traffic congestion. The issue also raises serious safety concerns, especially during peak hours.
Enforcement Challenges
Civic officials admit that enforcement has been a challenge due to limited manpower and the persistent nexus between illegal vendors and document forgers. However, they insist that stricter action, including criminal cases, will now be pursued to break the cycle. "The message is clear—fake licenses and repeated encroachments will not be tolerated. We will ensure legal consequences for violators," Kamble said.
With FIRs on the horizon, the NMC hopes to send a strong signal, but whether this will finally bring lasting relief to encroachment-hit areas remains to be seen.
