With lots of vehicles parked at the footpath, anti-encroachment drive appeared to have failed attaining the ‘goal’ on first day. Shopkeepers association of Paltan Bazar also expressed their reluctance over the drive that started on Thursday morning.
The traders praised the Nagar Nigam for such a move. They are, however, apprehensive that the anti-encroachment drive would affect their business.
Trilochan Bhatt, a shopkeeper, said, “It is a good move by the authorities. It would pave way for pedestrians. But if it continues, it would affect our sales.” He said that footpath should be cleared for the convenience of the elderly people who find it difficult walking on the roads due to heavy vehicular traffic.
He said that instead of carrying out drive, the administration should make arrangements for the parking. There was inconvenience to the people because of parking of the two wheelers on the footpaths. The path which has been made for the convenient of people has turned into a parking.
A police constable, pleading anonymity, said, a group of traders went to DIG with a request to stop anti-encroachment drive because it affects the sales. A pedestrian, Geeta Rana said, “It is true that the footpath is useless for the people as it is being used for parking purpose.” She appreciated Nagar Nigam’s decision to launch the anti-encroachment drive.
“It is really inconvenient to walk on the road. If the footpath is cleared, it would be very good for the pedestrians. The authorities must take serious steps in this direction so that inconvenience being faced by the people could be avoided,” Rana said.