The board of administrators (BoA) at the Siliguri Municipal Corporation has launched a drive against encroachers, especially those traders who illegally block portions of streets and footpaths by stacking different items in front of their shops every day.

Ranjan Sarkar, a member of the BoA who led a drive at some locations in the city on Tuesday, said the SMC had decided to take stern steps against those who keep their items on the roads and footpaths every day. ‘

“This drive is necessary to reduce traffic congestion and create space for pedestrians,” said Sarkar.

In Siliguri, it is a common practice in most commercial areas for traders to spread wares on roads. Every day, thousands of shopowners stack their materials on footpaths and roads in front of their stalls.

The piling of goods throughout the day narrows roads and footpaths.

Sarkar, along with a team of civic officials, conducted the drive at Bagha Jatin Park and adjacent areas of Collegepara and Hakimpara.

During the drive, they asked the vendors to remove their materials from the roads and footpaths. Also, a number of house owners were asked to clear the construction materials and debris which they had kept on the road.

“In due course, we will start imposing fines on such violators. A person can be fined even Rs 1 lakh for such encroachment,” said an SMC official.