According to the rules of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), there should be a footpath for pedestrians along the National Highway at Khaparkheda. It is there, but encroached by the vendors. Traders, along with vegetable and fruit vendors, have encroached upon the footpath, which is the right of common citizens, and the local Gram Panchayat administration is silent, allege citizens. The National Highway connecting the Jabalpur-Chhindwara highway passes through the main market of Khaparkheda. Consequently, there is a constant movement of vehicles every day.

 

This frequently disrupts traffic and causes accidents. Furthermore, incidents of truck vandalism and arson create a law and order issue. The situation in the Khaparkheda main market is extremely bad. Many shopkeepers park their two-wheelers across the footpath and also place materials and signboards. A few years ago, former Sarpanch Anita Murodiya had initiated an anti-encroachment drive and was successful. However, the Chicholi Gram Panchayat neglected the issue, leading to the situation reverting to its previous state. In the main market, alternative space is not available for fruit and vegetable vendors, so they have set up their shops on the footpath. Providing a designated space for these vendors is the duty of the Chicholi Gram Panchayat, but space has not been made available. It is possible to provide alternative space for the vendors in Chicholi weekly market.

 

“Since the main market falls within the local Gram Panchayat jurisdiction, removing the encroachment is the Gram Panchayat’s job. If they ask us for police protection, police security will be provided after due paperwork and upon the orders of senior officials,” said senior Police Inspector Harish Rumkar. “Earlier, notices were served to the footpath shopkeepers. Notices will be issued again, and the Public Works Department along with the National Highways Authority will also be informed,” Gram Panchayat Officer Pankaj Dangat made it clear.