HUDA acts tough on encroachments in front of shops

Cracking a whip on traders who illegally encroach upon market corridors in front of their shops, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has decided to slap notices on them and resume the properties of habitual offenders.

Cracking a whip on traders who illegally encroach upon market corridors in front of their shops, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has decided to slap notices on them and resume the properties of habitual offenders.

The methods used by HUDA, so far, have failed to serve as an effective deterrent. The authority, at present, seizes the articles put on display or for sale outside the shops. Traders get the material back after paying a nominal fine of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.

HUDA estate officer (EO) Mahavir Kaushik said they would serve notices on those found violating the norms from April 27 and resume the properties of those who fail to comply with the directions.

"There are provisions in the rules according to which the property can be resumed," said Kaushik.

HUDA has started taking photographs and videographing the areas affected by encroachments. The problem is prevalent in many markets, especially in Sectors 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 15. Most of these encroachments are temporary in nature, but some of the traders have constructed concrete platforms in front of their shops as well.

Aggarwal said some traders had even sublet the space in front of their shops to vendors, thus obstructing the movement of pedestrians.

In last few years, various RWAs have taken up the issue with the authorities, but in vain. In the past, HUDA had conducted a survey to identify areas affected by encroachments. The residents are also facing the problem of encroachments on roads by vendors.