Roadside encroachments on the approach road to the historical monument Nurmahal Sarai have become a major headache for local residents and tourists. Vendors and shopkeepers continue to occupy the road with temporary stalls, allegedly with the connivance of government officials.
Nature of Encroachments
Fruit juice sellers, vegetable vendors, and other food sellers have set up makeshift stalls along the approach road. Some shopkeepers dealing in building materials have blatantly placed hardware items in front of their shops. Additionally, customers, pickup vehicles, and auto rickshaw drivers have turned the road into a permanent parking area.
Complaints and Appeals
Residents have repeatedly urged the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India to remove the unauthorized parking and encroachments. They have also brought the issue to the notice of the Union Culture Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the President of India. Despite these appeals, no significant action has been taken.
Municipal Council's Inaction
The Municipal Council (MC) passed a unanimous resolution to protect Nurmahal Sarai, but it has been reluctant to clear the encroachments due to political pressure. In 2015, the MC removed girders that were installed to regulate traffic on the road. These girders were originally placed after the Punjab and Haryana High Court declared the road a no-traffic zone. However, the iron ropes that regulated traffic from 9 am to 6 pm were later removed by the MC.
Historical Significance
Nurmahal Sarai is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The encroachments not only inconvenience visitors but also threaten the heritage site's integrity. Locals fear that continued neglect could lead to further deterioration of the monument's surroundings.
