The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has extended the duty hours of its enforcement department until 10pm in an effort to curb encroachments set up by vendors during evening and night hours. This move received widespread support from municipal councillors during a recent house meeting.
Revised Duty Rosters
The duty roster for enforcement inspectors and their teams has been revised, splitting them into two groups. One group will work from 12pm to 8pm, while the other will be on duty from 5pm to 10pm. An official stated, "The duty roster has been prepared in such a way that enforcement wing staff get rest. Senior officers of the MC will make surprise visits in the areas to conduct checks in the days to come."
Persistent Problem in Commercial Areas
Illegal street vendors remain a persistent issue across all major commercial areas of the city, with the worst conditions reported in sectors 19, 22, 15, and Manimajra. Despite the existence of dedicated street vending zones in these commercial areas, illegal vendors continue to operate due to high footfall and the commercial value of these markets, according to sources within the MC.
Night Anti-Encroachment Drive
On Thursday, the civic body conducted a late-night anti-encroachment drive across the city to ensure smooth movement on public roads and footpaths. The operation targeted illegal occupation of V-4 (sector dividing) roads, public footpaths, and other public spaces where vendors had left behind their belongings, carts, and materials after business hours, obstructing movement. The drive covered sectors 19, 34, 37, 40, 22, Manimajra, IT Park, sectors 17 and 12, as well as areas near PGI Gate and Nayagaon Barrier. Nine sub-inspectors of enforcement (SIEs), along with field staff, were deputed to ensure effective implementation of the operation.
