THE ANTI-ENCROACHMENT DRIVE HAS NO IMPACT IN ARA

THE ANTI-ENCROACHMENT DRIVE HAS NO IMPACT IN ARA

28-NOV-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------The anti-encroachment drive in Ara appears to be failing. Shops re-opened on the streets the day after the action, disrupting traffic. The Municipal Corporation's campaign appears to be having no significant impact, as shopkeepers continue to encroach. The administration needs to find a permanent solution.

On Tuesday, a joint team of the district administration and the Municipal Corporation launched an anti-encroachment drive in key areas of the city. Illegal encroachments on roads, footpaths, and market areas were removed. However, barely 24 hours after the campaign ended, the same old scene reappeared on Wednesday morning.

Shops had re-opened on the streets. This situation clearly demonstrates how forced and formal this encroachment removal campaign is being carried out.

City residents say that it is the administration's greatest irony that even after removing encroachments, a permanent solution is not being found. Many small shops and carts are lined up in front of many shops. The practice of setting up a shop's facade behind one shop and a cart in front of it has become common.

These carts not only occupy space, but many shopkeepers also charge rent from them. This entire system operates illegally, causing the city's streets and markets to deteriorate.

Local resident Mantu says that encroachment is increasing not only due to small cart vendors but also due to shopkeepers and landlords who are operating businesses by occupying portions of the sidewalk and road.

Many people erect temporary sheds, counters, boards, and shops selling clothes, slippers, vegetables, and other goods in front of their shops. When action is taken in the future, these entire structures are removed, only to be re-erected the next day.

Sources indicate that while many cart vendors are required to sell by moving around, a large number of people in the city have set up permanent carts and rent up to 10,000 rupees per month.

This is not only a violation of rules but has also become a major problem for the city's traffic system. While encroachments are removed during the day, by evening the entire area is once again filled with shops.

Local citizens say that unless permanent shopkeepers, landlords, and renters are identified with photographs and heavy fines are imposed on them, it will be difficult to remove encroachment from the city.

Removing the carts alone will not solve the problem; action is also necessary against those who promote this system. Municipal officials are also being questioned as to why, despite repeated campaigns, lasting results are not being achieved.

People have demanded that the administration not limit the campaign to mere showmanship but strictly enforce it and ensure punitive action.