MC Toughens Stance, Plans to Slap Steep Fines on Encroachers

With ₹2,000 fine not proving to be enough of a deterrent, MC proposes to hike fine to at least ₹5,500; agenda to be tabled in upcoming House meet

- Mandeep Kaur Narula

CHANDIGARH: Stepping up its efforts to combat the growing menace of encroachments across the city, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) is planning to impose stiffer penalties on shopkeepers and street vendors repeatedly occupying public spaces illegally.

Currently, violators face a fine of ₹2,000 for the release of seized articles, but under a new proposal, the penalty for first-time offenders will increase to a whopping ₹5,500, including a fine of ₹500 and ₹5,000 as recovery charge.

In case of a second violation, the penalty will rise further to ₹6,000, including ₹5,500 as recovery charge. A third violation will lead to permanent seizure and auctioning of the violator's goods. MC is set to present this proposal for discussion and approval in the upcoming House meeting on February 17.

Despite existing regulations, shopkeepers and vendors continue to encroach upon corridors, verandahs, pavements, parking areas and other public spaces across Chandigarh. According to MC officials, the enforcement wing is responsible for clearing these temporary encroachments, but habitual violators return as soon as enforcement staff leaves.