- Illegal hawkers removed, shop goods seized
Bhopal: A major anti-encroachment drive was conducted on Wednesday in New Market, where Municipal Corporation staff cleared illegal structures and seized goods kept outside shops. Despite arguments from several shopkeepers, the operation proceeded without interruption due to the strict supervision of officials.
The action, led by Encroachment Officer Shailendra Singh Bhadauria, lasted nearly seven hours. All illegal hawkers operating in the “No Hawkers Zone” of New Market were removed. Authorities confiscated three truckloads of materials including tables, counters, display stands, nets, iron boxes, tin sheets, loose clothing, and other items obstructing pedestrian movement.
Encroachment had reached such levels that walkways were nearly impassable. Many shopkeepers had extended their displays far beyond legal limits, making it difficult for customers to navigate the area. This operation came in response to long-standing public complaints.
In a separate action, the Municipal Corporation’s Health Department (Zone No. 18) imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Raksha Builders, developers of the residential complex “Oracle,” for discharging untreated sewage in the open. The builder had failed to operate the mandated sewage treatment plant. Officials instructed them to immediately activate the plant and warned of harsher penalties if such violations continue.
