The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has removed illegal constructions and roadside obstructions, which had been causing persistent traffic congestion and public inconvenience for years, during an anti-encroachment drive in the Baijnath market.
The drive began near the Baijnath petrol pump and gradually covered the main market stretch and adjoining lanes. With the assistance of the local authorities and police personnel, NHAI officials removed unauthorised shop extensions, temporary sheds, kiosks and other structures encroaching upon public land and footpaths.
Senior NHAI officer Ankit Gill said that the action was being taken strictly in accordance with the directions of the Himachal Pradesh High Court to clear all illegal roadside encroachments. He appealed to traders and residents to cooperate with the administration and voluntarily remove unauthorised structures.
"Encroachments not only violate law but also create serious problems for traffic movement, pedestrians and emergency services. Our objective is not to harass anyone but to restore order and ensure the smooth functioning of the market," he added.
Gill said that strict legal action would be taken against those who failed to comply with the directions and continued to occupy public land illegally.
For years, the narrow roads of the Baijnath market had remained choked due to extended shop fronts and makeshift stalls, leading to frequent traffic jams, chaos during peak hours and difficulties for ambulances and fire services to pass through. Shopkeepers had also complained about the lack of parking space and blocked footpaths, forcing pedestrians to walk on the carriageway.
Traders and local residents welcomed the action, calling it a long-overdue step. Many of them said that encroachments had turned traffic congestion into a daily ordeal, discouraging customers from visiting the market and adversely affecting business.
"Customers often avoid coming here because they cannot find parking or even space to move freely. This action will help restore normalcy and improve the environment for shopping," a shopkeeper said.
The administration clarified that the drive would continue in phases and would be extended to other congested areas of the town. Officials said that regular monitoring would be done to ensure that encroachments did not recur and public spaces remain accessible.
The move is being seen as part of a broader effort by the district administration and the NHAI to improve urban management, traffic discipline and civic order in Baijnath.