Panchkula: After cracking down on illegal street vendors outside sector markets, the Panchkula district administration has turned its focus to shopkeepers accused of encroaching upon public corridors.Deputy commissioner Satpal Sharma has warned that strict action will be taken against traders found occupying common passageways after surprise inspections in Sector 2, Sector 21 and Sector 6 markets revealed widespread violations despite repeated directions to clear public spaces.During the inspections Saturday, Sharma found several shopkeepers displaying goods outside their premises, reducing corridor space meant for pedestrians and customers. In many locations, public movement was found to be severely restricted.The administration had earlier directed market associations to ensure that corridors remain free of encroachments and that obstructions placed outside shops are removed. However, officials said compliance has been patchy.Sharma said public corridors are meant for the free movement of people and cannot be converted into extensions of commercial establishments. He warned that action would be initiated against shopkeepers found using public spaces for displaying goods, including food items and merchandise.The DC also urged market associations to play a proactive role in sensitising traders and ensuring adherence to the administration’s directions.Officials stressed that the objective is not to harass shopkeepers but to improve pedestrian movement, market management and cleanliness. The administration plans to continue surprise inspections and initiate action against repeat violators.The move marks a significant shift in enforcement focus. While action in recent years largely targeted street vendors, large-scale encroachments by shopkeepers within market corridors have continued unchecked in several sector markets, often obstructing pedestrian movement and narrowing public spaces.
