On one side of the bridge there is encroachment by vendors and on the other side cars are parked. This has left very little space for commuters and vehicles to pass.
The vendors, especially dry fruit sellers claim that they have been doing business there for the past 20-25 years. However, with no proper market place, vendors have encroached upon a huge part of the bridge.
The vendors allege that police officers are ‘paid’ regularly by them to allow them to do business. Not disclosing the amount, one of the vendors said, ‘We pay them (police) monthly sum to do business here. During festive season the amount is almost doubled.’
Police officials denied the allegation and said that they have tried many times to remove the vendors. However, they are met with resistance every time. ‘We are trying everything possible under our jurisdiction. We seize their goods, issue challans and have even threatened them with arrests but they just don’t listen’, said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.
The officer also said that the vendors have increased manifold in the past few years and it is really difficult to remove them all without interference from the government and civic authorities.
‘A strong policy on the part of the government is needed to avoid encroachment’, the officer said. He added that letters were also written to North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) to act immediately.
People who frequent the area said that brawls and fights between motorists and traders due to the congestion are very common in the area. Anil Goel, an auto driver said, ‘the vendors unify themselves whenever there is an argument with an outsider and shoo them away even if it is not their fault.’ Meanwhile, NDMC officials could not be reached for comment on the matter.
The vendors, especially dry fruit sellers claim that they have been doing business there for the past 20-25 years. However, with no proper market place, vendors have encroached upon a huge part of the bridge.
The vendors allege that police officers are ‘paid’ regularly by them to allow them to do business. Not disclosing the amount, one of the vendors said, ‘We pay them (police) monthly sum to do business here. During festive season the amount is almost doubled.’
Police officials denied the allegation and said that they have tried many times to remove the vendors. However, they are met with resistance every time. ‘We are trying everything possible under our jurisdiction. We seize their goods, issue challans and have even threatened them with arrests but they just don’t listen’, said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.
The officer also said that the vendors have increased manifold in the past few years and it is really difficult to remove them all without interference from the government and civic authorities.
‘A strong policy on the part of the government is needed to avoid encroachment’, the officer said. He added that letters were also written to North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) to act immediately.
People who frequent the area said that brawls and fights between motorists and traders due to the congestion are very common in the area. Anil Goel, an auto driver said, ‘the vendors unify themselves whenever there is an argument with an outsider and shoo them away even if it is not their fault.’ Meanwhile, NDMC officials could not be reached for comment on the matter.