Encroachment of public land and space meant for people has become a common practice in the city of Delhi. Be it mighty and rich, those with Political and Right connections and even Street Vendors think it is their right to occupy the public land which belongs to Govt or is meant for use by public for business. Recent Supreme Court judgement on encroachment of Railway land has reiterated the laxity of Govt agencies in allowing illegal encroachment.
Our market especially the Priya complex is pride and popular market of South Delhi since early eighties. The state of affairs in the markets over the years has deteriorated and become a nightmare for visitors.
Main reason for the state of poor visitor experience is Encroachment of corridors by unauthorized vendors squatting in the passage and displaying garments, shoes, books etc. for sale. They run shops in the corridor meant for customers to walk making movement difficult without hitting fellow visitors, particularly during evenings and on holidays.
Some mighty shopkeepers have encroached the walking area by either extending their shop or by putting planters, shop material or even sitting area for staff, leaving no space for visitors to walk. The entire foot path has been encroached by shopkeepers for decoration of shop or for parking of two wheelers of staff forcing visitors to the market to walk on road which is most of the time fully occupied by moving cars, leading to minor accidents at times.
Foot path and visitor walking space on approach road to the market and back lane walking area is taken over by Momo / Fruit / Tea vendors leaving no space to walk. Even the gate meant for visitors has been locked and closed to put cupboard and material of shopkeepers forcing pedestrians to walk in front of cars making it dangerous and risky.
Will the authorities, MCD, Delhi Police, Market Managing Committee and others responsible for maintaining law and order in the markets take action after the Supreme Court direction that the concerned authorities are responsible for not permitting encroachment of public land and immediate action in case anyone tries to occupy public land. Residents and visitors to the markets would be relieved of huge inconvenience and risk to life if these encroachments are removed.
