DAMB registers over 95 encroachment cases at Azadpur Mandi, collects Rs 20,900 in fines
The Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board (DAMB) has registered over 95 encroachment cases and collected fines totalling more than Rs 20,900 from Azadpur Mandi during its anti-encroachment drive from the last week of July to the first week of August.
The encroachment drive aims to streamline commercial activity, improve traffic flow and minimise public inconvenience. Besides, in coordination with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, around 75-80 stray animals were removed from market premises and transferred to gaushalas.
In a press statement, the APMC said illegal structures, temporary shops, and unauthorised street vendors were removed on a large scale from the prominent markets in the national Capital. It said that from Ghazipur markets-including the FMC and Fish & Poultry Market-more than 4,100 sq ft of pavements, entry routes and parking spaces have been cleared.
Authorities confiscated numerous illegal wooden planks, iron boxes, tables, umbrellas and freezers and imposed fines on dozens of violators during consecutive days of action. At Okhla Mandi, enforcement teams issued special challans to halt unauthorised trade and maintain road cleanliness. Approximately 140 kg of illicitly sold fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, pumpkins, bananas, bottle gourds and cucumbers, were seized, and Rs 18,700 recovered in fines.
In APMC Shahdara, temporary shops and street carts operating within the mandi yard were removed.
Officials seized about 215 kg of assorted produce — such as garlic, green chillies, pointed gourd, taro root, brinjal and mangoes — along with 11 illegal weighing scales. License holders and mashakhors found violating rules were sternly warned; authorities said persistent offenders could face legal action, including licence cancellation.
At Keshopur APMC, the path blocking the main exit and entry gates (Exit to Entry Gate) was cleared by removing more than 25 illegal street carts and temporary stalls. On the other hand, regular monitoring was maintained at APMC Najafgarh and APMC Narela, where no new encroachment was found this week, and the situation in Narela remained completely under control.
DAMB officials said the drive will continue as needed to ensure orderly market operations and reduce congestion in the national capital’s wholesale produce hubs.
