After high drama, Chandigarh MC forced to remove tent from parking lot

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 25

The Municipal Corporation, which is responsible for removing encroachments in the city, today got a big tent pitched in the parking lot of the Sector 19-C market to let vendors under the Self-Help Group programme operate on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. However, the civic body had to cut a sorry figure when local shopkeepers objected to the tent, forcing the MC to get it removed.

The shopkeepers earned the wrath of the enforcement wing officials for allegedly calling the police over the issue. They alleged the MC team challaned three or four shopkeepers, who first complained about the tent, for encroachments outside their respective shops.

Speaking to Chandigarh Tribune, Sanjiv Bakshi, who runs a luggage showroom, said, “All those shopkeepers, including me, who first raised the issue, were slapped Rs 2,000 challan and their goods were also seized.”

“The MC should not have acted against us out of revenge. Parking lots are not designated areas for vendors. Besides causing traffic and parking problems, the tent would have been a hindrance to fire vehicles in case of any mishap. We raised the issue only for public good,” added another trader.

Shopkeepers said it was a 30’x60’ tent. They first requested the enforcement wing to either shift its location or put up a smaller one. When they did not agree, the traders called up the police.

“They had the permission, but the exact location and size of the tent was not specified. It could have led to chaos during the festive season rush,” said a shopkeeper. These vendors sell goods such as incensed sticks and candles.

Owing to the Janmashtami festival, vendors have increased manifold across the city for the past few days, while the civic body has turned a blind eye to the encroachments. A large number of vendors have encroached on the road leading to the government houses in Sector 20, inconveniencing local residents. In the evening, there was traffic choas on the road.

Isha Kamboj, who is in charge of the enforcement wing, did not answer phone calls for her comment.

Raised matter only for public good: Traders

“The MC should not have acted against us out of revenge. Parking lots are not designated areas for vendors. Besides causing traffic and parking problems, the tent would have been a hindrance to fire vehicles in case of any mishap. We raised the issue only for public good,” said a trader.