Clear south delhi roads of encroachment: High court

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought an explanation from civic bodies and the traffic police on steps taken to remove encroachment from footpaths and roads in Jangpura, Bhogal, Pant Nagar and parts of Defence Colony in south Delhi.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought an explanation from civic bodies and the traffic police on steps taken to remove encroachment from footpaths and roads in Jangpura, Bhogal, Pant Nagar and parts of Defence Colony in south Delhi.

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The order came after petitions filed by the Jangpura Residents' Welfare Association and Flyover Complex Welfare Association, which contended that earlier orders of the court, in this regard, were not being complied with by authorities.

Lawyer RK Saini, arguing for the petitioners, contended, “The Hospital Road in Jangpura was full of encroachments and 75% of the footpath had been occupied by motor repair workshops, dhabas and illegally-parked vehicles.”

He alleged that tent houses and taxi operators were the other main culprits. Saini said encroachments on the road led to massive traffic snarls; pedestrians, too, were forced to walk on the roads.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the traffic police assured the court that necessary steps were being taken to remove encroachments. The traffic police told the court that 'no parking, no stopping' boards will be installed on various roads.

The court has already threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the traffic police and civic agencies for not taking action against second hand car dealers and automobile workshops on both sides of the Defence Colony flyover.