Ranchi: A biweekly market (haat) at Morabadi in the heart of the city, which was operating for over two decades, was denied permission on Saturday as part of a major anti-encroachment drive launched by the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC).The action, aimed at reclaiming public spaces, triggered protests from vendors, forcing the administration to deploy additional forces at the site throughout the day.The market, held every Wednesday and Saturday, serves as a trading hub for vegetable growers and vendors from neighbouring villages. Twice a week, the area transforms into a bustling marketplace with stalls also selling fast food, toys and miscellaneous items. However, the haphazard extension of makeshift shops onto pavements and main thoroughfares, coupled with unchecked parking of vehicles, choked traffic flow and restricted pedestrian movement.Taking note of the bottlenecks, an RMC anti-encroachment squad arrived at the spot early on Saturday to clear the arterial stretch. The enforcement team immediately met resistance from dozens of traders.“We have been coming to the market twice a week for years; it is our sole source of income. If they evict us abruptly, where are we supposed to go?” questioned Malti Devi, a vegetable vendor.As the matter escalated, officers from the local police station arrived at the scene to defuse the tension.Roopesh Kumar, officer in charge of Lalpur police station, said, “Vendors continued setting up their stalls despite warnings from the corporation, which led to the action. The situation was brought under control within a short time.”Municipal commissioner Sushant Gaurav reiterated the civic body’s zero-tolerance policy towards encroachments.“A Supreme Court directive prohibits any commercial activity on roads or pavements. The shops were encroaching on the main corridors, severely disrupting traffic. The congestion forced pedestrians onto the middle of the road, creating a safety hazard. Who would bear responsibility in case of an accident?” the commissioner asked.Gaurav added that RMC will continue similar drives across the city. “Roads and footpaths belong to the society at large and cannot be occupied for private commercial interests,” he said.
