The encroachments that were cleared from roads, markets and footpaths in Dwarka before Independence Day have started to come. This is causing concern among residents about safety, traffic flow and the misuse of areas for business.
Before August 15 a major drive was carried out to remove stalls, carts and temporary structures from several parts of Dwarka. For a time the roads were clear and footpaths were open for pedestrians.. After the Independence Day celebrations, vendors, hawkers and roadside stalls began returning to the same spots.
Sector 17 Red Light: Food Carts Block Footpaths
Near the Sector 17 light food carts have once again taken over the footpath. These stalls draw crowds and people trying to walk on the footpath have to step around the carts and customers. It makes walking difficult and unsafe.
“People coming from the light have to walk around the stalls and the people around them. The footpath is meant for walking but there is any space left when the stalls are set up " said Manish Anand, a local resident.
DXR Runner Point, Sector 17
At DXR Runner Point in Sector 17 the same problem is happening. Food carts line the footpath making it hard for people to walk. Residents say they have complained times but the issue keeps coming back.
“People have raised concerns again and again. Nothing changes. The problem returns every time. We need action, not just during big events " said Shalabh Goyal.
Sector 18B Market: Shops Take Over Common Corridors
In Sector 18B Market the encroachment is different. Some shops are extending their stalls and goods into shared corridors. This reduces the walking space. Causes trouble especially when the market is crowded.
Sector 18A Near New Rashtriya CGHS
Near New Rashtriya CGHS in Sector 18A residents are also worried. They say that public spaces meant for everyone are being used by shops and vendors. This turns areas into places for business instead of safe walkways.
“The footpath is turning into a food zone. People gather around the stalls and pedestrians are forced to walk on the road. This is dangerous especially when traffic is heavy " said Shivani, a resident.
Residents Want Ongoing Action
Many residents say that the real problem is the lack of enforcement. Encroachments are removed for events like Independence Day but after the drive the same stalls return. The temporary fixes are not working.
Residents are asking the authorities to conduct regular inspections and take real action. They want the enforcement to continue when there are no festivals, national events or VIP visits.
The short period after the Independence Day drive showed what Dwarka could be like, without obstructions— roads, open footpaths and better traffic movement. Now that the encroachments are back residents fear that without monitoring public spaces will once again become hard to use for walking and safe movement.
