Temporary encroachments are a major concerned alongside national highway in Khanna as the municipal council has turned a blind eye towards this menace.
Though it is a major issue, the removal of encroachments is not in the priority list of majority of the municipal poll candidates.
More than 10 feet space has been covered by the shopkeepers or vendors, who display their products on the roadsides. Such a practice cause traffic snarls and may also cause mishaps.
The president of Lok Sewa Club, a non-government organisation (NGO), PD Bansal, said that the numbers of mishaps are increasing on the highway as footpaths are encroached upon by the shopkeepers, so pedestrians had to walk on the road, which was meant for vehicles.
The stalls on the roadsides make people park their vehicles on the road which triggers traffic jams.
According to Bansal, in case civic authorities fail to take action against the violators and the encroachments are not removed at the earliest, his NGO will take the matter to Punjab and Haryana high court (HC).
A city resident, Sukhpal Singh of Lalheri Road, said, “We wanted the MC to ensure road safety. New MC House should take steps to allot space to vendors so that they can run their business.”
{{/usCountry}}A city resident, Sukhpal Singh of Lalheri Road, said, “We wanted the MC to ensure road safety. New MC House should take steps to allot space to vendors so that they can run their business.”
{{/usCountry}}The residents also demand the removal of encroachments from the internal roads of the city.
Executive officer of Khanna MC, Charanjit Singh, could not be contacted despite several attempts.