Mohali Municipal Corporation Launches Major Anti-Encroachment Operation
In a significant move to reclaim public spaces and ensure orderly urban development, the Mohali Municipal Corporation has launched an intensified crackdown on illegal street vendors across the city. This sustained campaign, which has been ongoing for over a month, has resulted in the seizure of a massive quantity of vending equipment and cooking apparatus from unauthorized roadside setups.
Scale of Seizures Reveals Extent of Illegal Vending
The sheer volume of confiscated materials has overwhelmed the Municipal Corporation's storage facilities, with officials reporting that their offices and godowns are now overflowing with seized goods. Tehbazari in-charge Mandeep Singh, who was assigned operational charge of the anti-encroachment drive approximately three months ago, provided detailed figures about the confiscations.
"Since taking charge of this operation, we have implemented strict measures against illegal vending activities," Singh stated. "Our teams have seized approximately 70 tandoors that were permanently installed at roadside kots and dhabas, along with nearly 80 LPG stoves that were being used for commercial purposes without proper authorization."
Storage Facilities Strained by Volume of Confiscated Items
The scale of the operation becomes even more apparent when considering the additional items that have been impounded. Municipal authorities have confiscated about 200 LPG cylinders that were being used by unauthorized vendors, posing potential safety hazards in crowded public areas.
Furthermore, more than 200 handcarts—including both makeshift constructions and illegally modified carts—have been seized during the ongoing drive. Mandeep Singh emphasized that the situation has reached a critical point where the municipal corporation's storage capacity has been completely exhausted.
"Our stores and godowns are completely full, and we have virtually no space left even inside the MC buildings to accommodate additional seized items," Singh explained, highlighting the unprecedented scale of the confiscation operation.
Regular Raids Target Major Public Spaces
Municipal teams have been conducting systematic raids in prominent markets, along major roads, and at various public gathering points throughout Mohali. These operations aim to remove unauthorized encroachments that officials say create multiple civic problems.
While some vendors have protested against the enforcement actions, municipal authorities maintain that illegal vending on public roads significantly hampers traffic flow, obstructs pedestrian movement, and contributes to sanitation issues in the city.
Commissioner Vows Uninterrupted Action
When contacted about the storage challenges, Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh asserted that there would be no shortage of space to store the seized material, despite current capacity constraints.
"The government has adequate storage facilities and buildings at its disposal," Commissioner Singh clarified. "This drive will continue without interruption. As long as illegal encroachments keep reappearing despite repeated removal efforts, we will maintain our strict enforcement measures."
Policy Shift: No Return of Confiscated Goods
The Commissioner revealed a significant policy change in how the Municipal Corporation is handling seized items. Previously, confiscated goods were returned to vendors after payment of fines, which often led to vendors returning to the same illegal spots shortly afterward.
"We are now implementing much stricter measures, and confiscated goods will not be returned under any circumstances," Commissioner Singh declared. "Instead, we are working on establishing designated vending zones where legitimate vendors can operate legally without disrupting public order."
Public Cooperation Sought for Sustainable Solution
Appealing to Mohali residents for their cooperation and understanding, the Commissioner emphasized that the sustained anti-encroachment drive aims to create a more organized, cleaner, and traffic-congestion-free urban environment.
The Municipal Corporation's comprehensive approach combines strict enforcement with planned infrastructure development, seeking to balance regulatory compliance with livelihood considerations through the creation of authorized vending spaces.
