Illegal stalls demolished in Ulhasnagar anti-encroachment drive; residents demand action against roadside car market

ULHASNAGAR: In a major anti-encroachment drive, the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) on Friday removed 23 illegally erected stalls and shops along the Kalyan-Murbad Road stretch between Dhobighat Chowk and the municipal hospital. The action was carried out under the directions of the municipal commissioner Manisha Awhale and supervised by senior civic officials.

According to civic authorities, the operation targeted encroachments that had occupied portions of roads and footpaths, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and motorists.

In addition to demolishing 23 roadside stalls and shops, officials also seized and removed 12 handcarts that were allegedly obstructing public movement.

The drive was conducted by a team of assistant commissioners under the guidance of the additional commissioner, with support from the encroachment department and local police personnel. Authorities said special attention was given to ensuring smooth traffic flow during the operation.

Assistant commissioner Ganesh Shimpi said the civic body would continue its crackdown on illegal encroachments that obstruct roads, footpaths and public spaces. He warned that strict action would be taken against individuals who attempt to re-establish encroachments after their removal.

Following the operation, a significant portion of the road and footpath was cleared, providing relief to commuters and local residents. Many citizens welcomed the municipal corporation’s action and urged officials to extend similar enforcement measures to other congestion-prone areas of the city.

Residents specifically demanded action against the alleged illegal parking and roadside car market activities along the Kalyan-Ambarnath Road. They claimed that a large section of the road remains occupied by parked vehicles linked to the car market, worsening traffic congestion.

With ongoing cement concrete road works in the area, motorists and daily commuters have been facing severe traffic snarls, prompting calls for stricter enforcement by civic authorities.