Nagpur: The Anti-Encroachment Department of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Thursday, February 5, initiated action against unauthorized commercial use of the basement at Poonam Chambers. During the operation, officials started removing goods and materials from shops operating under the name Poonam Bazar in the building’s basement.
According to civic authorities, the basement space was allegedly being used for commercial purposes in violation of sanctioned building plans. The clearance of shop inventory marks the first phase of enforcement, with further action likely as the inspection process continues.
Part of Larger Citywide Crackdown
The operation is part of NMC’s intensified anti-encroachment drive across Nagpur. The civic body has stepped up efforts to remove illegal structures and reclaim public spaces, particularly footpaths, to improve pedestrian movement and reduce traffic congestion.
Acting under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Dr. Abhijit Chaudhary, the Enforcement Department has deployed 15 teams for sustained action. Ten teams have been assigned zone-wise responsibilities, while five additional teams from the headquarters are assisting in major clearance operations in heavily encroached areas.
Emphasis on Pedestrian Safety
Encroachments caused by roadside stalls and goods displayed outside shops have narrowed footpaths in several parts of the city, posing safety hazards for pedestrians. The ongoing drive seeks to restore walkways for public use and ensure smoother traffic flow on busy roads.
Dedicated anti-encroachment squads are functioning in all ten municipal zones, supported by central teams focusing on large-scale operations.
Appeal for Cooperation
The Enforcement Department has urged shopkeepers and hawkers to remove unauthorized extensions, avoid placing goods on footpaths, and cooperate with municipal teams. Officials reiterated that footpaths are reserved for pedestrians and that encroachments create daily inconvenience for thousands of citizens.
NMC officials stated that inspections and enforcement measures will continue in the coming days as part of the sustained campaign against unauthorized constructions and encroachments in the city.
