Officials clear encroachments on Vikas Marg

Delhi government on Saturday launched an anti-encroachment drive on footpaths of Vikas Marg in East Delhi.

Thirteen cars, 41 two wheelers which were illegally parked on footpaths of Vikas Marg were towed away by the Traffic police and East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC). 14 challans were also issued by the Traffic Police.

“The East District Magistrate office will ensure that such drives are undertaken on regular basis,” the Sub-Division Magistrate (East District) in a statement said.

The four-hour long anti-encroachment drive started from 11 am. Cranes were been put into service by the Traffic Police and EDMC. The Public Works Department also deployed workers to ensure maximum results for the drive.

Repair work of the footpaths is also being carried out simultaneously by the PWD.

“Due to the encroacherments the commuters were getting harassed especially female commuters and children were forced to commute on main roads often resulting in mishaps. The East District Administration took up this issue in the meeting of the District Task Force and decided to remove the encroachments and free the footpaths of Vikas Marg,” the statement said.

Vikas Marg, which cuts across Laxmi Nagar, has remained clogged for years now. Residential buildings here have given way to rows of shops and showrooms, leading to reckless and haphazard parking.

The civic failures like absence of parking lots and lack of enforcement of building bylaws fuel parking and traffic congestion.