In a significant move to reclaim public spaces, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation launched a stringent city-wide enforcement drive on Wednesday. This action comes as a direct response to the Supreme Court's directives aimed at clearing unauthorised street vendors from public land.
Supreme Court Directives Spark City-Wide Action
The drive was initiated in strict compliance with an order from the apex court. The Supreme Court had explicitly directed authorities to ensure that all unauthorised vendors vacate public land and relocate to officially allotted sites within designated vending zones. Furthermore, the court mandated a special drive to remove encroachments from pedestrian paths, roads, and other public properties, requiring a compliance report to be filed via an affidavit.
Enforcement Teams Swing Into Action Across City
Municipal Corporation enforcement teams fanned out across multiple locations in Chandigarh to implement the court's order. The focus was particularly sharp in areas like Manimajra, which has long been a hotspot for such encroachments. By 6 pm on Wednesday, the teams had issued a substantial 310 challans to vendors found operating without proper registration or from unauthorised sites.
This crackdown addresses persistent complaints from residents about obstructed footpaths, traffic snarls, and the misuse of public land due to illegal vending activities. The Municipal Corporation has clarified its stance, emphasising that while it will protect the rights and livelihoods of legitimate, registered street vendors as per the law, any encroachment on public property or violation of vending norms will face strict action.
Commissioner's Appeal for Public Interest
Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar has made a public appeal following the drive. He urged all street vendors to operate solely from the approved vending zones established by the corporation. Kumar stressed the importance of adhering to the provisions of the Street Vendors Act and related regulations, highlighting that such compliance is crucial for the larger public interest, ensuring smooth movement and access to public spaces for all citizens.
The drive marks a decisive step by the Chandigarh administration to balance the needs of street vendors with the rights of the general public to unobstructed and hygienic public spaces, all under the watchful eye of the Supreme Court's directives.
