Strict policy required to deal with encroachers

Mohali: Traffic congestion is a common phenomenon in cities and towns across the nation. Mohali city cannot become smart unless there is a check on rampant encroachment, which is quite evident at public places. The unauthorised encroachment by shopkeepers, hawkers and vendors on roads and footpaths to display and sell their articles with the tacit connivance with municipal officials and policemen on duty is largely responsible for the increasing problems on the road said residents.
Despite the fact that the government spends a huge sum of money on maintenance of infrastructure and various civic amenities, the Municipal Corporation has always been found wanting in taking the adequate measures, especially to tackle the perennial problem of encroachment. In markets, shopkeepers and hawkers have encroached upon the area in front of their establishments, leaving little space for people’s movement. Footpaths and green belts, too, haven’t been spared by kiosks, rehris or some nearby households, which often causes traffic snarls and accidents and great inconvenience to pedestrians. Those selling fruits, vegetables and other eatables litter the ground with leftovers.
Raman Kumar Sailai BJP Mandal President added that the civic administration should keep a strict vigil and remove any kind of illegal hindrances on the lanes and pavements earmarked for the pedestrians.
Residents added that iIllegal possession of space on the pathways can be avoided only if General public and political activists join hands and ensure upkeep of the facilities, whereas the negligent officials should be held responsible for deterioration of the city infrastructure. Encroachment and illegal parking on roads and markets must be checked through strict action and penalties against violators.
Several residents added that though the authorities have several times removed encroachments by shopkeepers and hawkers in the past, these people have become adamant and after passage of few months, they again resort to encroachments.
Although MC officials carry out eviction exercises, no permanent solution of the problem has been found yet. Unfortunately, the Municipal Corporation, traffic police and public health officials are turning a blind eye to such vital issues. Who Cares???