The Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) intensified its anti-encroachment efforts on Wednesday, evicting illegal stalls and vendors from major roads for the third consecutive day. This initiative aims to reclaim public spaces and alleviate congestion on the town’s overcrowded streets. Supported by police and enforcement officials, SMC teams conducted a pre-dawn operation across several high-traffic areas, including Sadarghat Road, Central Road, Premtola point, Shillong Patty, Park Road, and the stretch from Capital Point to the SMC headquarters.
Using loudspeakers to encourage vendors to leave voluntarily, officials systematically dismantled makeshift stalls and carts that had overtaken footpaths and spilled onto roadways, also seizing abandoned goods for removal. An SMC spokesperson stated, “We are taking strict action to restore public order and ease pedestrian and vehicular movement. These encroachments were not only unauthorized but posed a serious safety risk, especially during peak hours.”
The crackdown has been largely welcomed by local residents. Many expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that footpaths had become nearly impassable, forcing pedestrians to walk close to moving vehicles. Ratan Deb, a commuter from Shillong Patty, remarked, “It was a daily hazard. You couldn’t walk without stepping onto the road. This drive is long overdue.” However, the civic body clarified that the enforcement actions are not intended to penalize vendors but are part of a broader urban management strategy to enhance the overall functionality and safety of public spaces.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/civic-body-clears-footpaths-roads-across-silchar-to-ease-congestion/articleshow/122865445.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-07-23 23:41:00
