Nagpur: In a determined effort to tackle the nagging menace of roadside encroachments, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched an extended anti-encroachment drive, with operations now continuing until 10 pm.
This move, which shifts from the earlier 5 pm cut-off, targets major vendors occupying footpaths and portions of roads, particularly on 11 key stretches across Nagpur, that have long been contributing to traffic congestion and posing serious safety risks for pedestrians.
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Thursday 21 Nov. 2024
The initiative is spearheaded by Additional Municipal Commissioner Ajay Charthankar, who identified critical routes where enforcement will be carried out. “These encroachments force pedestrians onto busy streets, making conditions dangerous and aggravating traffic congestion,” Charthankar emphasized.
By extending the operational hours, the NMC aims to prevent vendors from reoccupying cleared spaces, a recurring problem after the earlier drives. Clearing encroachments late into the evening is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the civic body’s efforts, ensuring that roads and footpaths remain accessible for a longer duration. The NMC has also increased its enforcement capacity, raising the number of central anti-encroachment teams from three to five, with each zone assigned a special team.
Harish Raut, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, Enforcement Department, explained that each central team consists of 12 workers, led by an officer. However, the operation faces challenges due to a shortage of police personnel, with only five policemen available compared to the sanctioned 22. To address this, the NMC has requested additional support from the Home Department and has engaged the Nuisance Detection Squad for added assistance.
One of the major focuses of the evening squad will be on food stalls, which typically set up during the evening hours and obstruct footpaths. These stalls, along with their customers, often spill over onto roads, exacerbating traffic problems. The late-night drive is expected to primarily target these food vendors, ensuring smoother traffic flow and increased pedestrian safety.
With the festive season approaching, the NMC faces mounting pressure to keep public spaces free from encroachments. The newly established squad will play a vital role in maintaining order on some of Nagpur’s busiest streets. The civic body has also announced strict penalties for violators, with a minimum fine of Rs 2,000 or up to 33% of the value of goods seized. Additionally, seized items will be held for a minimum period of 15 days, sending a clear message to vendors about the consequences of illegal encroachments.
