Gurgaon: GMDA and MCG carried out a joint anti-encroachment drive in Sadar Bazar, one of the city's most crucial markets that has been left congested by illegal vendors and street carts.
The drive followed a 72-hour eviction notice to illegal vendors and instructions from newly elected MLA Mukesh Sharma to decongest the market. "Unauthorised vendors and street hawkers are the primary reasons for congested footpaths. Such encroachments pose serious safety risks to shoppers. They also obstruct emergency services, such as ambulances and fire brigades, which could be detrimental in critical situations," said RS Baath, the district town planner.
The enforcement teams used bulldozers to remove illegal carts and temporary structures. These vendors were found to have been paying a commission to licenced shop owners to set up stalls in front of them. The traders were warned against such unlawful practices.
"We will continue to monitor and conduct such drives regularly. We urge people to cooperate with us in making this iconic market a prime location in our city," Baath added.
While shoppers backed the authorities' efforts to unclog the market, traders sought a more comprehensive approach that addressed issues in the long term.
"This was long pending, but lack of coordinated efforts meant there was no action. Such drives should be conducted regularly to ensure a lasting impact. There is chaos here on most days. After removing the illegal structures, they should also install CCTV cameras to keep a check on encroachments and other violations," said Jitender Chouhan, a commuter.
But Kanhaiya Lal Pahwa, the district president of Haryana Vyapar Mandal, said such drives were not helpful in the long run.
"We support efforts to improve visitor convenience and free up pedestrian space. But the authorities also need to focus on rehabilitating vendors instead of just removing them. It is a matter of someone's livelihood. MCG should provide basic facilities like proper footpaths, toilets, and designated vending spaces. Despite years of promise, key infrastructure improvements such as multilevel parking are yet to be taken up," he added.