The Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh has escalated its fight against the rampant illegal occupation of public spaces, formally requesting the city's police to register cases against unauthorized vendors. This decisive move comes under the newly implemented Bhartaiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, marking a stricter legal approach to a persistent civic issue.
Widespread Encroachment Disrupts Public Movement
In an official statement released on Wednesday, the MC's Enforcement Wing reported extensive illegal vending activities across several prominent areas of the city. Vendors have been occupying footpaths, pavements, and public passages by setting up stalls, rehris, and tables. This unauthorized occupation severely inconveniences pedestrians and disrupts the smooth flow of public movement.
The problem is particularly acute in Sectors 15, 17, 19, 22, 41, and the area of Manimajra. Despite the corporation's ongoing efforts, including issuing repeated challans and seizing vending materials, many vendors quickly resume their activities, showing a clear disregard for civic regulations and orders.
Law and Order Concerns Prompt Stricter Action
The situation has occasionally turned confrontational during enforcement drives. Officials noted that some vendors have created disturbances, obstructed MC staff from performing their official duties, and even resorted to abusive behaviour and physical altercations. These incidents have raised significant law-and-order concerns, prompting the need for a more robust response.
To address this firmly, the MC has now written to the Chandigarh Police, urging them to register formal cases against illegal vendors. The cases will be filed under the relevant provisions of the BNS, based on complaints from the corporation, affected citizens, or other sources. This step signifies a shift from routine administrative action to potential criminal proceedings.
A Two-Pronged Strategy: Enforcement and Infrastructure
While cracking down on illegal vending, the civic body is also working to facilitate lawful trade. The corporation has intensified its anti-encroachment drives to ensure pedestrian pathways are clear and civic order is maintained.
Simultaneously, in a parallel development, the Engineering Wing has been directed to improve infrastructure within designated vending zones. The planned upgrades include providing proper lighting, ensuring an adequate water supply, installing paver blocks, and clearly demarcating vending sites for registered vendors. This initiative aims to promote organized and lawful vending in assigned areas.
The MC has appealed for public cooperation, stating that this comprehensive initiative is aimed at enhancing civic amenities, ensuring public convenience, and enforcing compliance with municipal laws for the larger interest of Chandigarh's residents and its planned cityscape.
