RWAS, traders to join hands against illegal vendors

There are instances where squatters have encroached upon the pavements since they received support from local authorities

VIJAY ISRANI, member of Green Park Market Association

NEWDELHI: Traders and Residents Welfare Associations (RWAS) have decided to coordinate regularly in checking encroachments on pavements in their respective neighbourhoods.

The decision was taken at a joint meeting called by the United Residents Joint Action (URJA), an umbrella body for RWAS, on Saturday.

The meeting was organised to collect public opinions over the amendments approved by the Delhi Development Authority in the Delhi Master Plan 2021.

During the meeting, the participants strongly demanded action against officials allowing illegal encroachments in public spaces.

“Everyone said the Sc-appointed monitoring committee should take action against officials responsible for the existing mess and for dereliction of duties,” said Ashutosh Dikshit, chief executive officer, URJA.

“Why should only the traders suffer? Despite submitting the ‘use conversion charges’, traders fear their shops would be sealed anytime as they have covered up to 350 floor area ratio,” said Vijay Israni, member of Green Park Market Association. “There are instances where squatters have encroached upon the pavements since they received support from local authorities,” he said.

However, Col Shivraj, a member from Munirka Vihar RWA,, said that not a single shop has opened in his colony in last 34 years due to strict rules enforced by the residents’ association.

“Many companies pursued us to open shops, but we didn’t grant them permission. If trader associations and RWAS play an active role, then these squatters won’t mushroom.”

Ravi Kaimal, an architect from Alaknanda area said that the Master Plan can’t be generic. “Different areas have different social economic characters. It is important to emphasise on making zonal plans to ensure the balanced development of areas ,” he said.