Crackdown on Cantonment Road Encroachments

Hyderabad:In an operation targeting illegal encroachments, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) authorities cleared footpaths and roads occupied by unauthorised vendors on Friday and Saturday. The move comes in response to mounting complaints from residents and traders about the disruption caused by these encroachments, particularly in the New Bowenpally and nearby localities.

According to sources, the police took strict action against the vendors who had set up temporary stalls, obstructing the traffic and creating a nuisance for pedestrians. Local traders, who have been complaining about the illegal setups for months, expressed relief. "The encroachments have been affecting our businesses for a long time. Customers find it difficult to navigate through the crowded footpaths. This move by the police is a welcome change," said T.V. Bhasker, a shop owner in Neredmet.

The vendors, many of whom have been doing business for years, said they had no other means of livelihood and pleaded with the authorities for more time to vacate. Despite their appeals, authorities went ahead with the operation, citing the urgent need to restore order in the area.

The crackdown took place in different parts of the Cantonment including the areas of Neredmet, Trimulgherry, Picket and Marredpally. Officials said this drive was part of a broader initiative to reclaim public spaces from illegal occupation and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The encroachments have been a long-standing issue in the Cantonment, particularly on the Brigade Road stretch, where 44 unauthorised stalls had sprung up over the years.

Efforts to remove the encroachments faced resistance from certain groups, but the Cantonment Board did not budge this time. An official said, "We had issued several warnings to the vendors, but they continued to occupy the space illegally. This action was necessary to bring relief to the residents and ensure public safety."

After the operation, the Cantonment authorities urged the vendors to seek legitimate spaces for their businesses and warned of stringent action against repeat offenders. They also announced plans to deploy special teams to monitor the area and prevent further encroachments.

Meanwhile, some sections of the public have expressed concerns over the displacement of the vendors. "We cannot ignore the vendors’ plight. The government should come up with a solution that balances the needs of both the vendors and the public," said Madhavi Rao, a resident of Bolaram.