The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation took decisive action this Sunday, conducting a significant anti-encroachment operation across multiple key locations in the city. The drive specifically targeted illegal vendors and rehri-phari operators who were occupying footpaths and market corridors, causing congestion and safety hazards.
Areas Targeted and Enforcement Action
The enforcement teams focused their efforts on several busy sectors, namely Sector 15, Sector 41, Sector 22, and Manimajra (Sector 13). In a coordinated move, officials removed temporary encroachments set up by unauthorized vendors. The primary goal was to restore public spaces for their intended use—safe and unobstructed movement for pedestrians.
The scale of the action was substantial. During the operation, 92 challans were issued to individuals found violating norms related to unauthorized vending and encroachment on public property. This legal penalty underscores the administration's serious approach to the issue.
Official Stance and Public Safety Goals
Municipal Corporation officials clarified that the drive was not a one-off event but part of a sustained strategy. The core objectives are to decongest busy market areas and significantly improve pedestrian safety. Blocked footpaths force citizens to walk on roads, mixing with vehicular traffic and creating dangerous situations.
Officials issued a clear warning that such enforcement operations will continue on a regular basis. They also extended an advisory to the vendor community, urging them to seek proper registration and operate only from the designated vending zones allocated by the authorities. This, they stated, is the lawful and sustainable way to conduct business without infringing on public rights or safety.
Looking Ahead: A Balance Between Livelihood and Order
While the drive aims to enforce civic rules, it also highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the livelihood needs of street vendors with the necessity of maintaining urban order and safety. The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation's message is clear: adherence to designated zones is non-negotiable for the greater public good. Residents can expect to see more such actions as the MC works to reclaim and maintain the city's public spaces.
