ENCROACHMENTS RETURN WITH A VENGEANCE

Dwarka city News

The bulldozers leave. The officials disappear. Within days, the vendors are back. It is a familiar cycle that has played out repeatedly across Dwarka. Every few months, civic agencies launch anti-encroachment drives with much fanfare, clearing market corridors, pavements and service lanes. Yet before the dust settles, the same stretches are occupied once again, as though nothing ever happened. For residents, the repeated return of encroachments has become more than just an inconvenience - it has become a symbol of failed enforcement and alleged official complicity. Sector -6 market presents perhaps the clearest example. Despite repeated eviction drives and court directions, its corridors and back lanes have once again been taken over by vendors, making movement difficult for both pedestrians and vehicles. The narrow service lanes have virtually turned into an unregulated flea market, with carts, makeshift stalls and goods occupying every available inch.

Balbir Singh, a long-time resident, does not mince words. He says, "The question every citizen is asking is simple- if encroachments are removed today, how do they return within a few days? The Delhi High Court has already directed that encroachments should not be allowed in Sector- 6, yet vegetable, clothes vendors and other sellers continue to occupy public spaces. Either the enforcement drives are merely cosmetic, or there is a serious nexus between the encroachers and those responsible for maintaining law and order. Public property is being grabbed in broad daylight and strict action is long overdue." Residents say the problem extends far beyond a single market. From Sector 4 to Sectors 5, 6, 11, 12 and 22, market corridors are increasingly congested with temporary stalls. Pavements meant for pedestrians have virtually disappeared, while service roads and parking areas are gradually being swallowed by unauthorized occupation.

Surendra Nath, another resident, says the situation is the same wherever one goes. “Visit any market in Dwarka and you will find the same story. Footpaths have vanished under encroachments, corridors are packed with vendors and shoppers are forced to walk on the road. Public spaces no longer belong to the public,” says Nath.

Residents point out that the consequences are not limited to inconvenience. Congested lanes delay emergency vehicles, increase traffic chaos and create safety hazards, especially during evenings and festive rush. For people living close to these markets, the problem extends right up to their residential complexes. Rakesh Gupta, resident of Sector-6 DDA flats says the encroachments have directly affected the quality of life inside the colony. "There appears to be complete connivance between encroachers, particularly the patri-wallahs and certain officials. Otherwise, how can encroachments repeatedly return in a zero-tolerance zone like Dwarka? Every time they are removed, they reappear within days."

He says the porous boundary wall between the market and the residential pocket has allowed unauthorized elements to enter the colony with ease. "Many vendors and anti-social elements freely enter the residential area. Some consume alcohol in the open and create nuisance late into the evening. Women, senior citizens and children feel unsafe after sunset. Beggars and vagabonds also find easy access to the pocket. Illegal commercial activities are increasing and residents have been raising these concerns for years."

"The encroachments have directly affected the quality of life inside the colony. There appears to be complete connivance between encroachers, particularly the patri-wallahs and certain officials. Otherwise, how can encroachments repeatedly return in a zero-tolerance zone like Dwarka? Every time they are removed, they reappear within days."   

Rakesh Gupta, Sector-6 

DDA flats says

According to Gupta, the residents' association has been fighting the issue for nearly two decades. "We have spent years pursuing this matter. Every time action is initiated, legal appeals delay the process. It has become an endless battle where law-abiding residents continue to suffer while violators exploit loopholes." Local shopkeepers also complain of selective enforcement. Rawat, who runs a garment shop in the market, says there is no consistency in the implementation of rules. "Small shopkeepers like us are penalized even if we keep a few items outside without obstructing anyone. But several larger establishments occupy entire corridors for commercial use and no action is taken against them. There should be one uniform policy for everyone. Selective action only raises doubts about transparency." Residents argue that the issue is no longer about street vendors alone. It is about reclaiming public spaces that are meant for pedestrians, shoppers and emergency access. Parks, service lanes, footpaths and market corridors are steadily shrinking under the weight of illegal occupation.

One can see encroachment of public places in front of Vegas mall, where various eatery carts occupy a large stretch of road. Golgappas, bhelpuri, momos, pav bhaji, pakoras and much more are offered on these carts. Similar is the case in front of Sector4 and 5 markets. The footpaths are taken over by such carts. Unless enforcement agencies ensure sustained monitoring instead of occasional eviction drives, residents fear the story will continue to repeat itself.

As one resident remarked, "The real anti-encroachment drive should begin after the demolition. Clearing the area is easy. Keeping it free is the real test."