Traffic police and MCD crack down on encroachments, issue over 55,000 challans

New Delhi: Delhi Traffic Police and MCD jointly conducted a four-day anti-encroachment and unauthorised parking drive across the capital from June 3-6 that covered 144 locations.The drive covered major arterial roads, footpaths, service lanes as well as in markets and other congestion-prone areas. At least 1,264 rehri-patri encroachments and 1,015 other illegal structures were removed. Temporary kiosks, illegal extensions and unauthorised commercial displays were cleared. The authorities impounded or towed away 3,123 vehicles that were illegally parked or were obstructing roads and footpaths. In total, 55,532 challans were issued for various violations.Officials said the first phase of the drive focused on six locations -- M-Block Market in Greater Kailash-I, Kamla Nagar, Hauz Khas, Qutub Road, Nizamuddin Basti and Parade Ground, where designated parking was reportedly underutilised.The second phase will cover Saket, Green Park, Alaknanda, Geeta Colony, Laxmi Nagar and Karkardooma Courts.The MCD commissioner said the civic body had a “zero-tolerance” approach towards illegal occupation of public land and urged residents, market associations and RWAs to cooperate.The special CP (traffic) appealed to motorists to avoid parking on roads and footpaths and urged people to use designated parking instead.