On the first day of 2009, Ludhiana Municipal Commissioner G S Ghuman personally undertook an anti-encroachment drive to clear the city’s markets of roadside vendors. The drive began from the Feroze Gandhi market in the afternoon and ended at the Sarabha Nagar market around 8 in the evening.

“Where there is a will, there is a way and I did not face any protest during the entire drive. The teams need to be strict with the violators,” said Ghuman.

The commissioner, while admitting that he was aware of the encroachers resurfacing within hours of the drive, called for regular inspections. “I know they come back after an hour and hence such exercises are a must to make the markets and roads wide and free from traffic congestion,” added Ghuman.

At Sarabha Nagar market, Ghuman arrived around 5 pm to clear the corridors where showroom owners had placed their rehris and gensets among other things. After the first drive, when the commissioner revisited the market at 7 pm, he was furious to find a few rehris and stalls back in place.

The stalls of Bikaner sweets shop were razed while others set up along the road were also demolished.

“I am surprised that many showrooms keep their inside space vacant and display products outside. Such nuisance will not be spared.”

Barring the Sarabha Nagar market, the commissioner did not face any resistance at any other place.