The businessmen (shopkeepers) in New Market are divided over the issue of removing encroachments from in front of the shops. A section of them supported the drive of the BMC, while the other sounded against it.
On the seventh day of anti-encroachment campaign, the BMC squad reached New Market only to face opposition by a group of shopkeepers who did not want their illegally occupied space recovered.
They laid themselves in front of the JCBs and protested shouting slogans against the BMC. They alleged that the BMC administration did not serve any notice for taking this action.
On the contrary, there were shopkeepers in the market area who voluntarily cleared their shops of encroachment, on the first announcement, within the allotted time of 30 minutes by the BMC.
Only some unwilling businessmen were involved in the protest creating havoc in the New Market area. The Market remained closed for the entire day.
In spite of the protest, the BMC was successful in removing the encroachment in front of shops and pavements in the area. BMC officials also warned the shopkeepers not to build any illegal structures in front of the shops in future. BMC will continue to remove encroachers in this area until it is completely clear.
While talking to The Pioneer, the president of New Market Businessmen Association Satish Kumar Gangrade said, “We had information regarding anti-encroachment campaign through newspapers. When the squad along with police force came, we requested them not to take down the coverings that protect us from weather. They were only extending 15 feet from the shops. Now, we will use canopy.”
“Reading the announcement in newspapers, most of the shopkeepers had removed their extensions before hand,” said Secretary of New market Businessman association Sanjay Balecha.
Further he added that the agitation was carried out by people who want to obstruct the smooth working of the BMC and disobey them.
“We are all happy with a five feet corridor in front of the shop and let any extension further fetch us penalty,” he added.