Kullu traders protest MC’s anti-encroachment drive

Discontent is brewing among traders and shopkeepers in Kullu following the Municipal Council’s (MC) aggressive drive to remove encroachments along the town’s roads. The ongoing operation, carried out in coordination with the police, revenue and Public Works Department (PWD), has been active for over a month, targeting encroachments on municipal properties.

Shopkeepers in the Ram Bagh area have expressed frustration, stating that their shops are six metres away from the road and that they had paved the vacant area to benefit the public. They allege that MC officials are now removing these pavers within a five-metre control width, only to relay them, calling it a waste of resources.

Kunal, a local customer, emphasised that the vacant spaces in question lack permanent structures and are open for public use, thus not qualifying as encroachments. Businessman Kartik accused the MC of inconsistency, claiming the council selectively implements the control width policy, which he argued is unfeasible in most market areas. He also criticised the removal of advertisement boards, saying they neither obstruct traffic nor pose a safety issue, but rather assist consumers.

In Lower Dhalpur, businessman Varun highlighted the demolition of staircases built over drains to improve customer access. Despite repeated pleas, MC officials demolished these structures, further straining business operations in a road area already inaccessible to vehicles due to congestion. Shopkeepers voiced concerns about economic hardships and livelihood losses resulting from the drive.

The vendors argue that the extended spaces outside their shops are crucial for attracting customers and sustaining their businesses. By displaying goods in these areas or setting up temporary stalls, they enhance visibility and foot traffic in a highly competitive market. Many fear the loss of these spaces will jeopardise their survival and financial stability.

Executive Magistrate and nodal officer for the drive, Hari Singh Yadav, defended the MC’s actions, citing High Court orders and directions from the Revenue Department to remove encroachments from government land and municipal properties. According to the MC, these measures are essential for urban planning, public safety, and ensuring smooth traffic flow.

However, shopkeepers called for a more balanced approach, suggesting the legal regulation of vacant public spaces to accommodate their needs without obstructing sidewalks and roads. They believe a compromise could address both the civic body’s concerns and the economic challenges faced by local businesses.

The affected shopkeepers and traders urged the MC to engage with stakeholders and devise solutions that prioritize livelihood while adhering to legal and urban planning requirements. They stressed that a cooperative approach would prevent unnecessary conflicts and foster a more harmonious resolution to the issue.