IN RESPONSE to the growing congestion and public inconvenience caused by illegal encroachments on city roads and footpaths, Mayor Malti Rai has adopted a tough stance. During a review meeting of the Encroachment Wing held at the ISBT office on Wednesday, the Mayor issued categorical instructions to ensure effective and impartial action across the capital. She emphasised that mere ‘cosmetic’ drives would not suffice and demanded that officials ensure once cleared, the spots remain free from re-encroachment.

 

The persistent ‘cat-and-mouse’ game A RECURRING challenge for the municipal administration has been the immediate return of vendors and kiosks as soon as the anti-encroachment squad leaves the site. This persistent issue has effectively halved the width of major thoroughfares and markets, leading to massive traffic snarls during peak hours. Furthermore, illegal occupation of footpaths forces pedestrians to risk their lives by walking on the main roads. Expressing her displeasure at the situation, the Mayor also ordered the immediate seizure of abandoned or ‘junk’ vehicles parked along the roadsides, which further obstruct traffic.

 

During the review, the Mayor announced a specialised, assembly-wise anti-encroachment campaign starting next week. The drive will not only focus on the removal of illegal shops and kiosks but will also involve rigorous monitoring of hotspots prone to habitual encroachment. Additional Commissioner Mukesh Sharma and Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Singh have been tasked with coordinating the squads and ensuring intensive micro-level monitoring.

 

Commitment to smooth traffic MAYOR Malti Rai reiterated that providing obstruction-free roads is a top priority for the administration. “Freeing the city’s roads from encroachment is our mandate. Officials have been strictly instructed to act without any bias or discrimination. Our focus is to ensure that cleared areas are not re-occupied, providing a smooth and safe commuting experience for the general public,” the Mayor stated.