By Sunil Sonkar
Mussoorie, 22 Jun: The Municipal Council has demonstrated sensitivity by providing financial relief to small traders affected by a natural disaster. Simultaneously, it has initiated strict legal action against individuals who behaved rudely towards municipal staff during an anti-encroachment drive on Mall Road. The municipal administration has signalled clearly that there will be no leniency shown to those who compromise law and order or the city’s aesthetic appeal.
A severe storm and hailstorm that recently struck the Mussoorie area had a significant impact on the livelihoods of many small traders. Street vendors operating near Mussoorie Lake and Hotel Darpan, in particular, suffered heavy losses. Many traders saw their merchandise ruined, while others suffered damage to their temporary structures. Acknowledging the plight of these affected traders, the Chairperson of the Mussoorie Municipal Council, Meera Saklani, distributed relief funds. According to the municipal administration, affected traders dealing in clothing received financial assistance of Rs 15,000, while those selling other goods received Rs 8,000. Expressing gratitude to the municipal administration for this support, the traders stated that it would help them get their businesses back on track.
The municipality conducted an anti-encroachment drive in the Mall Road area on the night of 20 June. During the drive, incidents of alleged rude behaviour towards municipal staff and officials, as well as obstruction of official duty, were reported. Taking a serious view of the matter, the Municipal Council has already lodged an FIR against the individual involved, Sanjay Tamta. The administration maintains that obstruction of official work and misconduct towards employees will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Videos that went viral on social media following the incident have now become a crucial basis for the investigation. Municipal authorities stated that they are identifying other individuals—based on video footage—who created a ruckus or obstructed official proceedings during the drive. Once identified, legal action will be taken against these individuals, and FIRs will be registered. The administration asserts that no offender will be allowed to evade the law.
The investigation revealed that some individuals seen in the videos were selling goods without authorisation in sensitive tourist areas like Mall Road and Kitabghar Chowk. The municipal administration has initiated action against such individuals. According to the municipality, the legal process to cancel licences with immediate effect will be initiated for any licence holders found violating regulations. The administration maintains that adherence to rules is essential to preserve the identity of the tourist town and ensure an orderly traffic system.
Municipal Council President Meera Saklani stated that the anti-encroachment drive would continue unabated to keep Mussoorie clean, beautiful, and organised. The administration noted that illegal encroachments, unregulated street vending, and disorderliness on Mall Road and at major tourist spots cause inconvenience to both tourists and locals. She emphasised that, while all possible assistance would be provided to the needy and those affected by disasters, strict action would simultaneously continue against those violating the rules.
