Himalayauk himalaya Gaurav Uttarakhand
The mechanical excavator was put into use to remove the encroachments impeding traffic flow on the National Highway in Haridwar. The drive continued despite resentment of a section of the local traders and the roadside vendors. However, soon the protest petered out with the authorities showing determination to carry on.
During the drive led by police circle officer, traffic, Manisha Joshi and city magistrate Jaibharat Singh, notices were slapped on hotels and roadside dhabas, asking the owners to keep their electricity generators inside the premises.
A day before, anti-encroachment drive was carried out at railway station and bus stands. Actions were taken against many who were found on the wrong side of the law.
Speaking to The Pioneer, CO traffic Manisha Joshi said, “Anti-encroachment drive was carried out on both the sides of the highway on Thursday. The people were asked to keep three feet of space from the main road free of any encumbrance. The drive would continue throughout the week.”
It is pertinent to mention here that as in other towns of the state, the number of residential and commercial encroachments has risen considerably in Haridwar. With slums and encroachments being purportedly supported by politicians and other influential persons, Haridwar has undergone drastic change especially after state formation due to encroachments. It remains to be seen whether the public space freed from encroachment by the authorities remains so for long.
