By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 21 Dec: The administration has taken a decisive step to free Mall Road, considered the lifeline of the tourist town of Mussoorie, from encroachment. Seeing the increasing disorder caused by street vendors and haphazard parking on Mall Road for a long time, the local administration and the municipality have jointly launched strict action. Under this campaign, the goods of street vendors were confiscated, today, and they were given clear instructions that street vending would not be allowed on Mall Road under any circumstances.
The campaign, led by Municipal Executive Officer Gaurav Bhasin and Naib Tehsildar Upendra Rana, also involved the police force along with the local administration. During the operation, the officials explained the situation to the street vendors who had encroached on Mall Road and set up shops, and gave them a strict warning to follow the rules in the future. The administration clearly stated that, if street vending resumes on Mall Road, legal action will be taken against them.
The administration also clarified that a complete plan for the rehabilitation of street vendors has already been prepared. A total of five vendor zones have been identified in the city, where selected street vendors have been duly allotted spaces. Officials said that the vendors who have been selected will set up their shops only in the designated vendor zones. This will provide employment to the vendors on the one hand, and on the other hand, the smooth functioning of Mall Road will be ensured.
Executive Officer Gaurav Bhasin said that due to encroachment on Mall Road, not only was traffic affected, but tourists were also facing considerable difficulties. Due to street vendors and parked vehicles on the narrow road, traffic jams were a frequent occurrence. Considering this, the administration has decided to keep Mall Road completely free from encroachment.
Along with removing street vendors, action has also been initiated against illegally parked vehicles on Mall Road. The police issued challans to vehicles parked on the roadside and had several vehicles towed away. The administration says that this campaign will continue to improve traffic management on Mall Road and ensure the safety of pedestrians.
Local residents and tourists have welcomed this action by the administration. People say that removing encroachments from Mall Road will not only make movement easier but will also enhance Mussoorie’s beauty and tourism image. The administration has made it clear that a zero-tolerance policy will now be adopted against encroachments in Mussoorie, and no leniency will be shown to those who violate the rules.
