MCG seals 16 shops that encroach on Sadar Bazar lanes

GURUGRAM: MCG on Wednesdaysealed 16 shops in Sadar Bazar for encroaching upon streets. Despite repeated reminders, shopkeepers had failed to clear the streets outside their shops, said MCG officials.
MCG had sealed 79 shops on June 16 and de-sealed them only after getting an undertaking from shopkeepers, saying they would ensure that hawkers do not operate in front of their shops or congregate near their premises. Office-bearers of the city market association were given the same directions. A member of the team which conducted the drive on Wednesday said that they had been keeping a strict vigil and found encroachments in front of 16 shops.

MCG commissioner Yashpal Yadav said, “As Sadar Bazar is the oldest and busiest market in the city, it attracts a huge number of customers daily. If shopkeepers, hawkers or squatters encroach on the streets and other common areas, the market gets even more congested. In case of a fire or stampede, it would be difficult for rescue teams to reach it.”

Recently, fire broke out in a shop and the fire brigade team couldn’t reach it on time due to encroachments. The shop was completely gutted.

A section of shopkeepers approved of the move. “Not only customers, even most of the shopkeepers are happy with the sealing drive, as everybody gets space to move around and do their shopping, including children and senior citizens. With stringent action being taken against encroachers, others will learn a lesson and desist from encroaching,” said Vimal Gupta, who owns a shop in Sadar Bazar.