Udaipur Municipal Council sets February 17 deadline to remove illegal footpath encroachments. Chairman Shital Chandra Majumdar warns of strict eviction drives to ease traffic congestion, protect pedestrian rights, and ensure smooth urban movement across the town.
The Udaipur Municipal Council has announced February 17 as the final deadline for clearing all illegal encroachments from footpaths across Udaipur town. Municipal Chairman Shital Chandra Majumdar made the announcement during a press conference at his chamber on Thursday, underscoring the administration’s firm resolve to restore pedestrian rights and ease mounting traffic congestion.
Addressing reporters, Majumdar said the decision comes in response to increasing complaints from residents over traders and hawkers occupying pavements in key areas of the town. According to him, the growing encroachment has not only obstructed pedestrian movement but also intensified traffic snarls, especially during peak business hours.
The chairman revealed that the issue gained renewed attention following recent reports in several state newspapers that highlighted the worsening condition of Udaipur’s footpaths. He acknowledged that previous eviction drives had been carried out twice to remove unauthorized vendors from pavements. However, despite temporary relief, many hawkers reportedly returned after a short period and resumed business operations on the sidewalks.
“This repeated encroachment has created serious inconvenience for pedestrians and contributed to traffic congestion,” Majumdar said. He emphasized that the civic body can no longer allow public spaces meant for pedestrians to be converted into commercial zones.
Under the fresh directive, no hawker or permanent shopkeeper will be permitted to conduct business on footpaths after February 17. The municipal chairman urged all individuals currently occupying pavements to remove their goods voluntarily before the deadline. He warned that failure to comply would result in strict enforcement measures.
“If they do not vacate on their own, the municipal council will launch eviction drives any day after February 17. Materials found on encroached footpaths will be seized. The drives will continue daily to ensure that pavements remain free from illegal occupation,” he stated.
The civic body has appealed to traders and business owners to cooperate with the administration in the larger public interest. Officials stressed that keeping footpaths clear is essential not only for pedestrian safety but also for ensuring smoother vehicular movement and improving the overall urban environment.
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Residents have largely welcomed the move, expressing hope that consistent enforcement will prevent a recurrence of encroachments. Traffic congestion has been a persistent issue in Udaipur’s commercial hubs, with narrow roads further strained by roadside vending activities.
With the February 17 deadline fast approaching, all eyes are now on the municipal authorities to see whether the renewed crackdown will bring lasting change. The council has reiterated that this time the enforcement drive will be sustained to safeguard public convenience and restore order to the town’s busy streets.
