Raipur traffic police and the municipal corporation carried out a joint anti-encroachment drive, removing illegal roadside structures and seizing promotional material from shops.

The Raipur traffic police and municipal corporation have launched a joint action against roadside encroachments, targeting more than 50 shopkeepers who were allegedly occupying roads and footpaths.The drive was conducted on key routes including Kotwali Chowk to Jaistambh Chowk and Lodhipara Chowk to Mandi Gate Road to improve traffic movement and reduce congestion.The action was carried out under the direction of Police Commissioner Dr Sanjeev Shukla and supervision of DCP Traffic Dr Archana Jha, along with the municipal corporation’s enforcement team.

Action taken against roadside encroachments

During the two-day drive from Kotwali Chowk through Malviya Road to Jaistambh Chowk, officials took action against shopkeepers who had placed goods and structures on roads and footpaths.

The team seized:

• 4 roadside carts

• 12 tables

• 15 cloth display stands

• 5 flex boards

• Tarpaulin stands and other materials

A fine of ₹4,000 was also collected during the action.

Three illegal structures removed with bulldozers

On the Lodhipara Chowk to Mandi Gate route, authorities removed three temporary illegal structures built along the roadside using bulldozers.Apart from this, promotional materials placed outside 11 shops were also seized.According to officials, traffic movement improved after the removal of these obstacles and congestion on the route reduced.

Campaign ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi

The anti-encroachment drive has been intensified ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, when major markets and roads in the city are expected to witness increased public movement.Traffic police have appealed to traders and citizens not to place goods, banners or promotional material on roads, footpaths or dividers.Officials said that joint action by the traffic police and municipal corporation will continue against illegal encroachments across the city.