Encroachers flourish under city flyovers, MC snores

Despite frequent anti-encroachment drives by the city police and Municipal Corporation, illegal encroachments beneath flyovers continue to thrive. These spaces, designated for green belts under the Smart City Project, have been taken over by taxi stands, vendors and small booths or counters.

The situation is particularly critical under the bus stand flyover, where private bus companies have also turned the area into parking lots, using public space for private purposes without any push back from the authorities.

“This issue has been ongoing for years, yet little has been done to resolve it”, say residents. According to sources in the city police, attempts to clear these encroachments had been made in the recent past, but the vendors often return, allegedly with the backing of Municipal Corporation officials.

“These encroachers show slips, claiming official authorisation, which further complicates the situation”, they added.

Shopkeepers have voiced their frustration, accusing the Municipal Corporation and traffic police of selective enforcement. They claim that while shop owners are penalised for even minor infractions such as leaving material outside their shops, large-scale encroachments under flyovers are ignored. “They fine us for the smallest issues, but here, entire public spaces are taken over and no one seems to care,” a shopkeeper said.

A senior Municipal Corporation official admitted that these encroachments are in violation of High Court orders, which prohibit business activity under flyovers due to safety concerns. “The court has made it clear that these areas must remain clear. If an accident happens, who will be responsible?” the official said.

In addition to encroachments, commuters have raised concerns about the traffic congestion near flyovers, where taxi and auto drivers park their vehicles recklessly, causing regular disruptions.

Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma stated that the police act promptly on complaints regarding traffic jams caused by encroachments. However, he noted that addressing encroachments beneath flyovers is the responsibility of the Municipal Corporation.

Municipal Commissioner Gautam Jain, when asked for a comment, offered no substantial response, stating that he would look into it.