Days after demolition drive, MP meets Rohtak shopkeepers

Quila Road market, one of the oldest and busiest commercial areas of Rohtak city, has come under spotlight after the Municipal Corporation carried out an anti-encroachment drive two days ago.

The market has witnessed significant activity over the past few days after several ramps and protruding balconies were demolished during the drive. MP Deepender Hooda, accompanied by local Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra, visited the market on Monday and met with shopkeepers affected by the demolition drive.

Meanwhile, the MC authorities released a redesigned layout plan for the market, stating that Rs 1.5 crore would be spent to execute the proposal.

Demanding compensation for the shopkeepers, who suffered losses during the anti-encroachment drive, Deepender held the BJP government responsible for the current state of Quila Road market. Condemning the operation, the MP said, “The tears of the shopkeepers speak volumes about their pain.”

He accused the BJP of attacking the livelihoods of shopkeepers.

“Damaging the shops is a violation of the shopkeepers’ rights. As per norms, the shopkeepers can use 3-4 ft area in front their shops, but the government broke its promises and disregarded all regulations, even damaged shop shutters in the process. Over 150 shops were harmed by bulldozers and JCB machines sent in by the MC authorities,” the MP alleged.

Deepender said any development work in the market should be done in consultation with the local shopkeepers and with their consensus.

The shopkeepers claimed that electric poles were initially moved from the sides to the centre of the road, and are now again being shifted back to the sides, reflecting poor planning.

Deepender pointed out that during the Congress government, a city-wide project to underground all power lines was taken up. The work was halted by the BJP after coming to power in 2014. He demanded that power lines on Quila Road be laid underground to avoid recurring disruptions.

He further said the MC officials and BJP leaders were adopting an irresponsible attitude post-demolition, pointing out that open sewers, broken glass near Jain School and widespread debris still litter the area.

An affected shopkeeper, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said many traders had suffered losses due to the anti-encroachment drive. “Earlier, we were allowed by the district authorities to install chhajjas (sunshade) extending 2 to 3 ft, but now all of them have been demolished without any caring for our losses. There is a deep resentment among the shopkeepers, but most are too afraid to voice their protest,” he added.

Meanwhile, Anand Sharma, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, said the Quila Road market would be developed as a model market, as per the Chief Minister’s directions. The e-tender process for the project has also been completed.

The commissioner added that he, along with other officials, had previously conducted an inspection of the site. During the inspection, discussions were held with officials from the Electricity Department, who had conveyed that removal of encroachments was essential to shift electric poles. Based on this, the anti-encroachment drive was carried out on Quila Road by the MC, he added.

“The beautification of Quila Road will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 crore. The project includes the construction of drainage on both sides of the road, the work on which is underway, along with road reconstruction and other development work. The administration aims to complete the beautification work within 40 to 45 days, after which Rohtak will have its own model market,” Sharma added.

Haryana Tribune