In a decisive move to tackle chronic traffic congestion and reclaim public spaces, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) carried out a significant anti-encroachment operation in key areas of Balaganj on Thursday. The drive targeted illegal temporary structures that had been choking roads and footpaths, impeding the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Major Clearance in Garhi Peer Khan and Balaganj
The special drive was conducted under the direct supervision of the local zonal officer. Municipal teams focused their efforts on the stretch running from the Khanjar Wala Takia graveyard up to Mishri Bagiya, as well as the vicinity surrounding the busy Balaganj crossing. These areas were identified as major bottlenecks due to rampant unauthorized occupation of public land.
During the intensive operation, civic officials dismantled a total of 56 temporary structures. This included the removal of 20 vendor carts, six kiosks, and approximately 30 makeshift shops that had been erected directly on roads and footpaths. The clearance aimed to restore the intended width of the thoroughfares for smooth traffic flow.
Seizure of Encroachment Materials and Official Warning
The LMC team did not just stop at dismantling the illegal setups. They also seized a large quantity of materials that were used to create these encroachments. The confiscated items included:
- Wooden planks and iron angles
- Plastic and iron tables, chairs, and stools
- Advertising flex boards
- Pipes, plastic crates, and drums
This seizure is intended to deter immediate re-encroachment. Officials explicitly warned the offenders against attempting to reoccupy the cleared public spaces. The corporation emphasized that such illegal occupation would not be tolerated.
A Sustained Effort for an Encroachment-Free City
Authorities stated that this drive is not a one-time event but part of a continuous effort by the LMC. The corporation is committed to conducting such operations on a regular basis to achieve its goal of making Lucknow free from encroachments.
The civic body has made a public appeal, urging residents and street vendors to adhere to municipal rules and regulations. They have called for cooperation from all citizens to help maintain order, cleanliness, and unrestricted movement across the city. The success of such initiatives, officials noted, depends on collective responsibility and respect for public spaces.
