Protest Erupts as Panipat MC Seizes Vehicles During Anti-Encroachment Drive
The Municipal Corporation (MC) of Panipat faced strong opposition from shopkeepers and market associations on Tuesday after officials seized vehicles belonging to both shopkeepers and customers during an anti-encroachment drive. The action, which targeted illegal encroachments in market areas, led to widespread protests as traders accused the civic body of harassing the public.
Led by Executive Engineer Gopal Kalawat and Assistant Town Planner Deepak Rana, the MC team arrived with two tractor-trolleys and began removing boards, goods, and structures placed beyond prescribed limits. Videography of alleged encroachments was conducted prior to the drive. As rehri (handcart) owners fled upon seeing the MC team, officials started impounding two-wheelers parked outside shops, including those belonging to customers.
Shopkeepers Support Anti-Encroachment but Oppose Customer Harassment
Shopkeepers and market associations expressed support for the anti-encroachment drive but condemned the seizure of customers' vehicles. Gaurav Leekha, President of Panipat Samyukt Vyapar Mandal, stated, "Shopkeepers and market associations supported the anti-encroachment drive to keep markets neat and clean, but picking up customers' vehicles was wrong." He added that the issue was brought to the notice of local MLA Pramod Vij.
Vishal Verma, President of Samyukt Vyapar Mandal Samiti, highlighted the difficulties faced by traders: "Shopkeepers in markets are already facing problems due to online marketing and a shortage of consumers because of high inflation. If customers are harassed in such a manner, how can businessmen survive?" He urged political leaders and the district administration to first provide proper parking facilities before taking such actions.
MC's Previous Anti-Encroachment Drives Also Faced Opposition
This is not the first time the MC's anti-encroachment drive has sparked controversy. In June last year, the civic body launched a special drive that included demolishing ramps, front elevations, and sheds in various markets. That drive also faced opposition from shopkeepers at several locations. The current drive, conducted on Tuesday, followed similar patterns and drew criticism for its handling of vehicle seizures.
During the operation, officials even impounded a two-wheeler belonging to a specially abled person, which was later returned after protests. Scores of consumers were seen pleading with officials to release their vehicles.
Social Activist Calls for Better Planning
Advocate Mehul Jain, a social activist, commented that while the anti-encroachment drive is a positive step, harassing common people is wrong. "If the MC wanted to make markets encroachment-free, it should first provide proper parking space for shopkeepers as well as customers. If a person comes to the market on a two-wheeler, he would not park it near the old bus stand or at any other distant parking facility," he said.
The protests underscore the ongoing tension between municipal authorities and traders in Panipat, as the city grapples with encroachment issues and inadequate infrastructure.
