Jabalpur Municipal Corporation’s (JMC’s) ongoing anti-encroachment campaign created a stir on Friday when the anti-encroachment squad removed popular Vijay Nagar Chaupati ahead of Diwali. While some residents welcomed the move as necessary for easing traffic, others questioned the timing, calling it insensitive during the festive season. Several vendors had extended their stalls beyond the designated area, occupying the adjoining service road. Customers’ vehicles were also parked haphazardly on the roadside, causing frequent traffic congestion between Vijay Nagar and Ekta Chowk. Officials stated that the action was aimed at restoring smooth traffic movement and reclaiming public space. During the drive, anti-encroachment squad cleared the site by removing nearly 40 to 45 temporary structures. Getting the information area MLA Abhilash Pandey and former MLA Vinay Saxena along with other party leaders reached the site. They held discussion with the JMC officials.

 

Following which the JMC allowed the vendors to continue business till Diwali. Officials said looking to the festive season, the vendors were allowed to operate business, only placing kiosks at the site and that too without hindering vehicular movement. After the festival, the civic body would allot space as per the rules to limited vendors. Senior officials of Anti-encroachment department informed that a limited number of vendors were authorised for temporary food stalls to prevent roadside obstructions. However, over time the number of vendors had doubled and many had set up permanent structures. Hence, the civic body cleared the area to ensure traffic flow remains unaffected.

 

The encroachment squad reached the site around 10 am and asked vendors to vacate the site before commencing removal. The sudden action triggered protests from shopkeepers, who staged a sit-in on the main road. The act disrupted traffic movement for some time. Vendors alleged that the civic body acted without prior notice, especially during the festival period when their earnings are at their peak. During the drive, the anti-encroachment removed nearly 40 temporary structures including kiosks, tin sheds and other such structures. Officials said looking to the festive season, the vendors were allowed to operate business, only placing kiosks at the site and that too without hindering vehicular movement. After the festival, the civic body would allot space as per the rules to limited vendors. Shopkeepers said they have been working at the site for years and it was their only means of livelihood. Removing stalls right before Diwali is like taking food out of their mouths, said the agitated vendors. While residents have largely supported the move citing traffic relief, many also feel that the civic body could have waited until after Diwali to conduct such a sensitive operation. The debate continues in Vijay Nagar, with the festive mood overshadowed by the eviction drive.