DSCC moves to clear footpaths

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has launched a fresh drive to reclaim footpaths and roads from illegal shops and hawkers, with its administrator Md Abdus Salam warning that no further encroachment will be tolerated.

“Footpaths are meant for pedestrians. No illegal shop will be allowed to operate by occupying them. Likewise, hawkers will not be permitted to take over roads,” he said during an eviction drive in Segunbagicha and adjoining areas of the capital on Thursday morning.

Administrator Md Abdus Salam warns against street vending, assures rehabilitation of hawkers in designated sports

The DSCC administrator said the corporation would take legal measures to restore pedestrians’ right to use public spaces.

During the operation, mobile shops and other materials occupying footpaths and pedestrian areas were removed and seized. Legal action was also taken against those found violating city corporation instructions.

Salam said the campaign was not intended merely to harass traders or collect fines. Rather, restoring order in the city and protecting public interests were the primary objectives.

“Those who continue to occupy roads and footpaths for business despite repeated instructions will face strict action. If necessary, cases will be filed and the maximum legal measures will be taken under the existing laws,” he said.

According to the administrator, hawkers had been given around six months to comply with the DSCC’s instructions. The corporation had also issued public notices and repeatedly warned them against occupying roads and footpaths.

“Those who still disregard the instructions will no longer receive any concession,” he said.

The DSCC has, meanwhile, started preparations to relocate hawkers to designated locations based on an approved list.

The process is expected to take around two weeks. Once the arrangement is completed, hawking outside the designated areas will not be permitted.

“We are introducing a disciplined system for hawker management. They will have opportunities to conduct business at designated locations, but they cannot occupy roads or footpaths,” Salam said.

He added that the corporation was also working to address problems related to rickshaws and floating populations in a phased manner.

The DSCC plans to conduct surprise and rapid enforcement drives in different parts of the capital over the coming days. Officials will inspect footpath and road encroachment, validity of trade licences, waste management, illegal structures and misuse of electricity.