A joint team of the civic body, district administration, and traffic department in Khargone conducted a large-scale encroachment removal drive on Saturday, targeting the busy stretch outside the Khargone municipal council office. The operation began at 7 am and continued until evening, deploying three earth movers, five tractor-trolleys, a lift machine, fire tenders, and over 100 employees.
Objective of the Drive
Officials stated that the action aimed to streamline the vegetable and fruit market area and reduce chronic traffic congestion on the route. Handcarts and roadside vendors occupying the main road were removed, while permanent structures built over the drain were demolished using heavy machinery.
Drain Cleaned for First Time in Years
For the first time in several years, the drain located in front of the municipal office was also cleaned after encroachments were cleared. Municipal officials noted that the drain had been completely covered due to illegal constructions.
Prior Notices and Announcements
Chief municipal officer Kamla Kaul said notices were issued repeatedly to traders, and announcements were made for the past seven days, asking encroachers to voluntarily remove their structures and belongings. Following this, the administration initiated the demolition and clearance drive.
Market Reorganization
To reorganize the market, vegetable vendors have been shifted to a cemented platform inside the vegetable market premises, while fruit handcart operators were relocated to a nearby lane close to the State Bank of India branch.
Traffic Bottleneck Addressed
The area in front of the municipal office had been one of the city's worst traffic bottlenecks, especially during morning and evening peak hours, due to roadside vending and haphazard parking. Residents often faced severe congestion, with vehicles moving at a crawling pace.
Monitoring and Prevention
During the operation, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Virendra Katare continuously monitored the situation, even moving through nearby lanes on a bicycle to prevent vendors from shifting encroachments into adjoining streets.
