Mayor Gogia launches anti-encroachment drive in Patiala
Patiala Mayor Kundan Gogia on Wednesday directed Municipal Corporation (MC) officials to remove all illegal encroachments by street vendors and shopkeepers across the city, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve cleanliness. The drive began with four challans already issued at the time of the report.
Meeting reviews garbage, debris, and defacement issues
Presiding over a meeting of the health, building, and land branches of the MC, Gogia reviewed problems related to garbage and construction debris lying along roadsides, unauthorised encroachments, unregulated night vending, and defacement of government properties. He instructed officials to issue notices to violators, granting them three days to voluntarily remove encroachments, and ordered public awareness announcements to inform residents and traders about the campaign.
Illegal encroachments cause traffic bottlenecks
Describing illegal encroachments as a major cause of traffic bottlenecks and frequent jams, the Mayor warned that challans and legal action would follow once the deadline expires. The civic body will intensify action against individuals and firms responsible for defacing public places with posters, banners, and unauthorised paintings. “Action will be initiated under the Punjab Prevention of Defacement of Property Act against all violators,” said Gogia.
Night vending regulations tightened
To regulate night vending, officials were directed to verify vending licences and ensure every cart owner keeps a dustbin. Vendors will not be allowed to leave carts on roads or in parks after business hours; any abandoned carts obstructing public spaces will be seized immediately.
Commissioner Grewal reiterates commitment
Commissioner Pooja Syal Grewal, present at the meeting, reiterated the civic body’s commitment to transforming Patiala into a clean, beautiful, and well-managed city. Both the Mayor and the Commissioner appealed to residents and traders to cooperate with the MC in its efforts to make Patiala cleaner, safer, and free from encroachments.
