(Street carts are removed, but why not the goods in the showroom? Action is swift only where the voice of protest is weak. The footpath dwellers are criminals, but the complexes that swallow up parking are spotless.)
Encroachment is not a new problem in Indian cities, but the way it is dealt with points to a major social and administrative imbalance. Every few days, news comes of slum demolitions, street vendors being evicted, and footpaths being cleared. All of this may be justified within the legal framework, as illegal occupation of public spaces hinders the orderly development of any city. But the real question is: is encroachment limited only to those whose voices are weakest?
If we look at our cities honestly, we’ll find that encroachment is far more widespread. Large malls and complexes allow lines of vehicles to spill out of their parking areas onto the streets. Ambulances and private vehicles crowd the streets outside hospitals, narrowing them. Shops pile up goods on the street, leaving no room for pedestrians. Yet, action against these is either minimal or merely cosmetic. In contrast, when it comes to street vendors or shantytowns, action is swift, strict, and often ruthless.
This situation is not only the result of administrative inefficiency, but it also exposes the class inequality that exists within our society. The law should be intended to be equal for all, but in practice, it is often applied more harshly against the weak. When a poor person’s hut is demolished, it doesn’t just destroy a structure, but also takes away their very basis for livelihood. Meanwhile, when a large establishment encroaches on a road, it is ignored in the name of “commercial necessity” or “convenience.”
Another aspect of this unequal approach to encroachment is administrative negligence. Power poles and transformers standing in the middle of city streets often cause accidents. They not only obstruct traffic but also sometimes prove fatal. Despite this, no concrete steps are taken to remove or manage them. This is an encroachment committed by the system itself, but responsibility for which is avoided.
Similarly, the encroachment of public spaces by people in urban sectors and colonies is becoming increasingly common. Parks, streets, and vacant lots are being used as private property by erecting fences and trellises. This is gradually becoming a common practice because no action is taken in time. As a result, the planned structure of cities deteriorates and public spaces shrink.
Looking at the urban traffic problem, it’s clear that removing encroachments alone won’t provide a solution. Improving infrastructure is equally essential. On busy routes like Delhi Road, providing slip roads for left turns at every intersection could significantly reduce traffic congestion. Similarly, proper parking arrangements, footpath development, and modern traffic management measures are essential. However, instead of focusing on these long-term solutions, immediate and visual actions are often prioritized.
To understand the issue of encroachment, it’s also important to recognize its social and economic causes. Large numbers of people migrate to cities in search of employment. They lack the resources to purchase permanent housing or shops, so they set up shop on footpaths or in vacant lots. For them, this isn’t just an “encroachment,” but a means of livelihood. Therefore, if they are evicted, alternative arrangements must be ensured. Action without rehabilitation only shifts the problem from one location to another.
In contrast, encroachment by large establishments is often driven by profit-enhancing practices. They use public spaces beyond their confines, boosting their business, but the public suffers the consequences. The lack of strict action in such cases demonstrates the impact that influence and resources have on law enforcement.
The solution first requires a clear and uniform definition of encroachment. Whether it’s a poor man’s hut or the expansion of a large institution—both should be viewed equally. The administration must ensure that action is taken without discrimination and transparency.
Additionally, urban planning must become more inclusive. Designated spaces for street vendors, affordable housing schemes, and legal structures for small businesses should be developed. This will not only reduce the problem of encroachment but also strengthen the economy of cities.
The use of technology can also be helpful in this direction. Digital mapping, GIS, and drone surveys can help identify encroachments with greater accuracy. This will bring transparency to action and reduce the likelihood of discrimination against any particular class.
Ultimately, the issue of encroachment isn’t just about law, but also about justice, equality, and sensitivity. Unless we approach this problem holistically and apply the law equally to all sections of society, a lasting solution is impossible. To make cities orderly and accessible, it’s essential that everyone—whether ordinary citizens or major institutions—follows the rules.
It’s time to determine whether the law truly applies equally to all. If we envision a just and orderly society, we must ensure that action against encroachment is also based on this principle. Because, unless there is equality in justice, development will remain incomplete.
