The SilentTakeover : NMC-constructed cycling track on Wardha Road, now encroached by food stalls
   Date :29-Apr-2024

encroached by food stalls 
 
 
 
By Dheeraj Fartode
 
 
While the government invests crores of rupees of taxpayers in beautifying the city, maintenance often falls short. The Enforcement Department of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is allowing encroachment of illegal vendors and is turning the city into a hub of unauthorised vendors with no intervention. Having encroached upon every nook and corner of the city, illegal vendors have now occupied the recently constructed cycling track on Wardha Road. Most alarmingly, these vendors have encroached upon the newly constructed cycling track on Wardha Road, a flagship project of the city’s beautification drive. The Wardha Road
 
project aimed at enhancing the city’s infrastructure with features of selfie points and a meticulously designed cycling track adorned with lush greenery. However, these amenities have inadvertently turned them into prime real estate for vendors, who now operate their businesses without hindrance. Mini trucks, complete with tables and chairs, now line the cycling track, serving as stalls for Chinese food vendors. Alongside them, cold drink shops, earthen pot sellers, and paan vendors have similarly occupied portions of the track, leaving pedestrians with no safe passage.
 
A local resident expressed initial happiness at the construction of the cycling track and footpath, meant for residents’ use. However, the invasion of food stall vendors has left no space for locals, suggesting possible complicity from NMC officials. Another citizen reported lodging a complaint with the NMC’s Zonal Office, yet no action has been taken against the encroachment. They questioned whether the NMC is using taxpayers’ funds to facilitate these illegal businesses. The rampant encroachment on public spaces by the vendors across the city poses a major challenges to pedestrian safety and mobility.
 
What are NMC officials getting by allowing illegal businesses to flourish?
It is the duty of the Enforcement Department of NMC to clear encroachments on public spaces. However, the department officials are turning a blind eye to encroachment that is clearly visible to the public. As a result, many areas are becoming hubs for unauthorised vendors. If one walks down any road in the city, they would find there is no enforcement from the NMC officials as unauthorised vendors are pouring in everywhere. “What are the NMC officials gaining by not initiating action against these illegal businesses?” questioned a vigilant citizen.