Assam: Nagaon Municipality eviction drive removes illegal footpath traders to improve pedestrian access

Nagaon Municipality today carried out a sudden eviction drive in the town’s commercial areas, removing unauthorized vendors and traders occupying public footpaths. The move was aimed at easing pedestrian movement and addressing long-standing complaints from citizens.

According to municipal officials, several traders had been using the footpaths and roadside edges to carry out their business operations, severely obstructing public movement and creating safety hazards. Despite prior warnings and notices, the encroachers continued their activities, prompting the administration to take strict action.

The eviction drive, conducted without prior public announcement, targeted key commercial zones where footpath encroachments were most severe. Municipal workers, accompanied by enforcement personnel, dismantled temporary stalls and cleared the sidewalks.

Civic groups, senior citizens, and local organizations had repeatedly filed complaints with the municipality, expressing concern over the growing encroachment issue. They argued that the illegal occupation of public walkways was making daily commuting difficult, especially for the elderly and schoolchildren.

A senior municipal official stated that today's operation is part of a broader effort to reclaim public spaces and ensure smooth mobility in the city. He added that further action will be taken if vendors continue to violate public space regulations.

The municipality has urged all traders and vendors to respect public property and refrain from occupying footpaths in the future.