In a sweeping anti-encroachment action, Bhopal Municipal Corporation on Wednesday cleared illegal structures and seized goods from public spaces across several busy areas of the city.
Acting on complaints via CM Helpline and routine inspections, the anti-encroachment squad removed illegal tiling and stalls from drains between Shaitan Singh Square and Shahpura using JCB machines.
Offending items included pushcarts, counters, water tubs, coolers, hoardings and paan kiosks. Temporary fruit and vegetable shops and construction material were also cleared from roads and pavements.
Commissioner Harendra Narayan ordered the intensified action, leading teams to New Market, Arera Colony, MP Nagar, DB Mall, Kolar Road, Jumerati, Link Roads 1 to 3 and more.
Other areas covered in the drive included Bharat Mata Square, Samta Chowk, Hanuman Mandir, AIIMS Road, Sagar Public School, Nehru Nagar, Kotara Sultanabad, and Lady Hospital.
Officials also cleared encroachments near Subhash Colony, Govindpura Industrial Area, Prabhat Chowk, 80-Foot Road, BHEL and Bagh Sewania, targeting public footpaths and thoroughfares.
The action resulted in the seizure of six pushcarts, six display nets, 22 flex boards, four water tubs, four coolers, one electronic scale and folding tables.
Officials also took down matka stands, iron grills, and a sugarcane juice machine installed on public land, disrupting pedestrian and vehicle movement in key areas.
Encroachers were issued verbal warnings and asked not to repeat the offence. Officials stressed that stricter penalties would follow if illegal setups reappeared in the cleared zones.
The corporation informed that regular drives will continue in coming weeks, and local police may be roped in to assist in areas with repeat violations or resistance.