HT Bureau
SILCHAR, July 23: The Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Wednesday continued its intensified eviction drive against illegal encroachments for the third day in a row, clearing major roads and footpaths across the town in an effort to restore order and ease congestion.
The action, undertaken with the support of enforcement personnel and the police, began early in the morning and targeted several of the town’s busiest commercial and residential zones.
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According to an official statement, the operation covered key stretches from Sadarghat Road through Central Road, Premtola Point, Shillong Patty, Park Road, Court Compound, and up to the SMC office.
Officials used loudspeakers to warn unauthorised vendors to vacate voluntarily, following which illegal stalls, carts, and other makeshift structures were dismantled and removed.
Goods left unattended were also carted away as part of the exercise.
SMC officials stated that the objective of the eviction was to reclaim public walkways and roadways from unauthorised occupation, which has contributed significantly to traffic congestion and safety hazards for pedestrians.
The civic body said it was committed to enforcing rules that prioritise public convenience and mobility.
An SMC spokesperson, speaking to DDIPR at the site, said that many of these locations had become virtually inaccessible due to the proliferation of illegal vending activities, forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roads and putting lives at risk.
The eviction effort drew support from residents and daily commuters, many of whom said the cleared footpaths were a long-overdue relief.
A resident of Shillong Patty remarked that it had become “a nightmare” to cross roads safely due to the complete takeover of footpaths by unauthorised vendors.
The resident expressed hope that the drive would bring lasting change to the town’s traffic and pedestrian flow.
The SMC clarified that while it understood the challenges faced by street vendors, the encroachment of public land could not be allowed to continue unchecked.
Officials added that steps were being taken to identify and designate proper vending zones, where street vendors could operate without obstructing movement or violating municipal norms.
Until such arrangements are finalised and notified, the civic body warned that strict action would be taken against any further encroachments.
Wednesday’s operation was notable for its scale, with more areas covered and a larger number of encroachments removed compared to the previous two days.
The ongoing eviction follows a rise in complaints from the public about severe congestion and the declining condition of pedestrian infrastructure.
The civic body has announced that the eviction drive will continue in the coming days and that regular monitoring will be carried out to prevent re-encroachment of cleared zones.
Vendors have been urged to cooperate with the authorities and to await formal notification of designated vending spaces.
The cleared roadways and footpaths, along with smoother traffic movement seen in the aftermath of Wednesday’s operation, marked a visible shift in Silchar’s urban landscape.
Residents expressed optimism that the drive, if sustained with proper regulatory support, would mark the beginning of a more orderly and accessible city.
