As weekend crowds packed the busy New Market on Sunday, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation removed seven truckloads of illegally placed goods in a sweeping anti-encroachment drive.
The crackdown targeted shopfronts and inner corridors where hawkers and traders had occupied footpaths and public spaces with stands, carts, pipes, and tarpaulins.
The anti-encroachment squads acted on complaints received via the CM Helpline and call centres, aiming to restore pedestrian access and reduce congestion in the city's most frequented shopping area. Officials said unauthorised ramps, tilework laid over drains, and counters spilling onto walkways were dismantled. No resistance was reported as teams moved through the commercial lanes.
District administration and Smart City staff assisted in the operation, which continued in several parts of the state capital.
Similar action was also carried out in Roshanpura, Trilanga, Kamla Nagar, Shahjahanabad, Banskhedi, and around Rani Kamlapati railway station, where five truckloads of material were confiscated.
In total, 12 truckloads of goods were seized across the city. The largest single clearance was from Plot No 97 under Smart City, cleared using JCBs and dumpers.
Shopkeepers in New Market and elsewhere were warned against re-encroachment.