Pune Cantonment Board Clears MG Road of Hawkers and Carts
The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has initiated a major encroachment removal drive, successfully clearing MG Road of around 100 carts. This move has been met with satisfaction from both residents and shop owners in the area.
Encroachment Removal Drive in Full Swing
Pramod Kadam, chief health superintendent of PCB, said, “Since yesterday, we have been working diligently to remove all kinds of encroachments from MG Road. With ample police protection, we have made MG Road free of hawkers and vendors. Notices have been issued to those who encroached upon the footpaths and roads, warning that confiscated items won’t be returned. So far, we have removed around 100 carts, and this drive will continue.”
Residents and Shop Owners Rejoice
A shop owner on MG Road, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “The PCB and the police have been taking strict action thanks to your reporting. We’ve been trying for years with no success. Now, there is peace and silence in the area, and no encroachers are seen on the road.
A resident of Camp, preferring anonymity, added, “Everything has been cleaned up on MG Road. We can finally breathe as the encroachments are removed. The encroachers used to threaten us if we objected. Thanks to PCB, the police, and everyone involved, the traffic flow has also improved.”
Call for Permanent Action
Despite the successful removal of encroachments, residents urge the authorities to ensure that this action is permanent. A resident highlighted, “The encroachments are removed for now, but this needs to be a permanent solution. Authorities should not allow encroachments to return after a temporary period.”
The Underlying Issue
Residents have long complained about the increasing number of hawkers and encroachments on MG Road, which hindered their ability to walk or commute. While they are not against hawkers earning a livelihood, they insist that designated spaces should be provided to avoid disturbing others.
