The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) recently conducted a widespread anti-encroachment drive targeting key zones including Civil Lines, Najafgarh, and Shahdara North. This initiative aimed to clear roads and sidewalks of illegal extensions by vendors and shopkeepers, restoring public spaces to their intended use.
The Shahdara North zone saw significant action, with the maintenance division, supported by the general branch and police, responding to long-standing complaints from residents. In Seelampur ward 225, authorities removed unauthorised permanent and temporary encroachments by local shopkeepers and street vendors. Over a stretch of approximately two kilometres, JCBs and trucks were deployed to clear the sidewalks, reclaiming the area for pedestrian use. Officials have assured that such actions will continue to ensure compliance and deter future encroachments.
In the Civil Lines zone, the MCD employed heavy machinery to tackle illegal structures. At Mahindra Park, RCC slabs were demolished and steel reinforcements were cut, highlighting the extensive measures taken to remove encroachments. Additional operations were carried out in Sant Nagar Extension, Bengali Colony, and Burari, where similar illegal structures were dismantled, restoring the areas to their rightful state. The Najafgarh zone also witnessed concerted efforts, particularly in Nangli Dairy Colony. The veterinary services department, in collaboration with the maintenance department and local police, took action against dairy owners who had encroached on public land in Nangli ward. This operation was part of a broader strategy to ensure that public land is used appropriately and not monopolised by unauthorised activities.
This comprehensive anti-encroachment drive underscores the MCD’s commitment to maintaining order and legality in urban spaces. Encroachments by vendors and shopkeepers have long been a challenge in Delhi, obstructing public pathways and creating inconvenience for residents. By reclaiming these spaces, the MCD aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its inhabitants. The MCD’s approach combines immediate action with a promise of sustained efforts to prevent re-encroachment. By involving various departments and working closely with the police, the MCD is ensuring a coordinated and effective response to the issue. The demolition of illegal structures in Civil Lines and the removal of encroachments in Shahdara North and Najafgarh are just initial steps in a broader campaign to restore order.
As Delhi continues to grow and urbanise, maintaining clear and accessible public spaces is crucial. The MCD’s drive is not just about removing illegal structures but also about setting a precedent for future urban management. Ensuring that public land is used correctly and that encroachments are swiftly dealt with will contribute to a more organised and liveable city. The MCD’s recent anti-encroachment drive across Civil Lines, Najafgarh, and Shahdara North zones is a significant step towards reclaiming public spaces and ensuring urban order. The concerted efforts by various departments, along with continued vigilance, promise a sustained impact, making Delhi a more orderly and accessible city for its residents.
