MC acts tough against encroachers

Our Correspondent

Dera Bassi, February 22

Taking a strong view of encroachment along the roadside, a team of the Municipal Council anti-encroachment wing and the local administration conducted an anti-encroachment drive and removed illegal structures from market places here today.

The team, led by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ruhi Dugg, along with MC anti-encroachment wing and police officials, removed encroachments from various areas, including bus stand, Tehsil Road, Ramlila Ground and the main market, in Dera Bassi. The team also confiscated handcarts, tables, etc., placed along the roads as these lead to chaos and traffic jam. Several panic-stricken shopkeepers removed hoardings and signboards before the team could reach their respective shops.

People stated that shopkeepers had kept their stuff outside the shops illegally, which leaves no space for people to walk.

A few shopkeepers said the Municipal Council did not serve any notice to them in this regard. They demanded that the MC should first resolve the parking issue on a priority and then it should remove their stuff kept outside the shops.

SDM Ruhi Dugg said they had already made announcements in the market a few days ago to remove the stuff placed along the roadside. She said people did not pay any heed to the announcement, following which the MC anti-encroachment team removed encroachments and also confiscated the stuff.

The SDM said the shopkeepers concerned should pay the fine to MC officials and take their stuff back.