Kolkata: Police on Saturday carried out an anti-encroachment drive in the New Market area after traders complained that hawkers had taken over pavements and portions of carriageways around the heritage market. The action followed a memorandum submitted to New Market police station by representatives of the SS Hogg Market Traders Association.A team from New Market PS reached Bertram Street and Lindsay Street and began clearing hawkers who had allegedly occupied pavements and road space illegally. The gate near the intersection of Bertram Street and Humayun Place was also cleared during the drive.Some hawkers appeared confused as police personnel moved their wares from the pavements. Traders welcomed the action but expressed concern over its continuity. A New Market trader said previous drives had failed to deliver lasting results and urged police to maintain strict vigil to prevent fresh encroachment.
