Pune: When the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) anti-encroachment team sets out to take action, stall owners, cart vendors, and street vendors often receive tips.
Shopkeepers quickly move their goods inside, and within 5-10 minutes, unauthorized vendors disappear from the streets. Once the encroachment team leaves, the streets are again filled with encroachments. This suggests that PMC employees themselves are tipping off the vendors, resulting in only superficial actions being taken.
Two years ago, the PMC recruited 100 assistant inspectors to tackle this issue more effectively. They were assigned to 15 regional offices, which was expected to curb road encroachments. Instead, the number of street vendors and carts has increased. Spaces outside shops are rented out for stalls, exacerbating traffic congestion.
The Municipal Commissioner acknowledged that many inspectors and assistant inspectors have been working in the same areas for years, leading to a lack of action.
Addressing journalists' concerns, the Commissioner said, "Encroachment inspectors have been stationed at the same locations for years. Until they are transferred and their connections are broken, the situation will not improve. Instructions have been given to the additional commissioner to transfer such employees. Despite the recruitment of assistant encroachment inspectors, manpower is still insufficient."
Despite the directives from the Union Minister of State to clear the city roads of encroachments, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has yet to take significant action.
Last year, the PMC recruited 100 assistant encroachment inspectors, raising hopes for effective measures. However, the number of encroachments on roads and footpaths has increased over the past year, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk.
Major roads, pedestrian paths, and village areas in Pune, including central markets and suburbs, have seen significant encroachments. As soon as an open space appears on roads or pedestrian paths, it is quickly occupied by businesses.
Various businesses, including food stalls, have taken over the streets. Even reserved parking spaces are being used by street vendors and stalls, narrowing the roads and causing traffic congestion.
Citizens are increasingly frustrated by this situation. During a meeting held at the PMC on Monday (July 8), Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol instructed the Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale to immediately clear the roads and pedestrian paths of encroachments and to ensure space for pedestrians.
He also emphasized that action should be taken despite political pressures. However, the administration has yet to switch to 'action' mode.