Ludhiana MC frees land of encroachments at Gandhi Nagar market’s entry

The Ludhiana MC is contemplating the establishment of a parking lot at the entry point of Gandhi Nagar market

With the municipal corporation (MC) contemplating the establishment of a parking lot at the entry point of Gandhi Nagar market, the civic body’s tehbazari wing on Saturday conducted an anti-encroachment drive and got around one acre of land vacated from the encroachers.

Ludhiana MC took down encroachments at the Gandhi Nagar market’s entry point. (HT File)

The visitors have been facing a lot of problems parking their vehicles due to congestion at the market, known as the hub of the garments/hosiery sector. The problem grows manifold on weekends as customers from other districts and states also visit the busy market.

Slum dwellers and a few tea stall owners had encroached upon the land, while a few private parties were also using a portion of the land as a paid parking facility illegally. The matter has also been highlighted in the MC’s General House meetings and action was also taken against the encroachments — only for them to sprout again.

Previously, a proposal had also been prepared to establish a green belt at the site, but the civic body is now contemplating setting up a parking lot at the site to facilitate the shopkeepers and visitors.

MC zonal commissioner Neeraj Jain said no proposal has yet been finalised, but the anti-encroachments drive was conducted to free around an acre of land. The decision regarding the use space will be taken by higher authorities