Police to start anti-encroachment drive 2.0

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 11

The police are going to launch another drive against roadside encroachments in the city post-lockdown.

“We are again starting an anti-encroachment drive in the crowded areas of Ludhiana city. All shopkeepers and rehriwalas are requested to keep the roads free from encroachments. We will be holding an awareness drive for 15 days till June 25,” says a post on Facebook and Twitter handle of the Ludhiana police.

Before the lockdown, the police had removed a large number of roadside encroachments raised by vendors and shopkeepers in the city. Hundreds of FIRs were lodged by the police against the violators.

That was a massive drive launched in the city because the encroachers had turned most roads into narrow lanes. The police continued with the drive despite a hue and cry raised by the roadside vendors and rehriwalas.

The old city areas, including Railway Station Road, Saban Bazaar, Chaura Bazaar and Clock Tower, were made encroachment- free.

How people react to Ludhiana police post

Ankur Goyal writes: “This is not the right time to do this, as people now respect the police from heart. But this action will affect not only the vendors’ livelihood but also diminish respect for you among citizens. So please help and support rehriwalas and shopkeepers in these tough times, instead of troubling them.” Bhushan Lal Malik says: “It is time to rehabilitate the affected persons. Moreover, no one is complaining. Due to Covid, there is less traffic on roads these days. School buses and autos are not plying. This drive should be postponed till 2021. The offenders, if any, should be warned, not punished. People now respect the police. Be considerate and sympathetic.” Normal Singh comments: “Very good move. Encroachments near bends and crossings are a safety hazard and put the public and vehicular traffic at risk. Such encroachments should not be allowed at any cost.”