MARDAN: The encroachments in various bazaars and chowk of Mardan have created serious difficulties for citizens, making daily movement through the city increasingly challenging. According to residents, illegally set up stalls, shop extensions, and temporary structures have occupied footpaths and roads, causing traffic congestion and restricting pedestrian movement.
The encroachment mafia has virtually occupied Bank Road, Shaheedano Bazaar, Judge Bazaar, Shamshi Road, Bus Adda Road, Charsadda Chowk, Chalmari Road, Dwasaro Chowk, Par Hoti Chowk and Gaju Khan Road. At Chalmari Road at Charsadda chowk, where majority of tractor workshops are located, the tractor mechanics park tractors which creates problems for the residents, a resident pointed out.
Majority of banks and private hospital owners have also placed heavy generators on footpaths adding to the misery of the people. Moreover, footpaths are given on rent either by owners or shopkeepers.
The encroachers have also installed fruit and vegetable stalls on both sides on Adda Road, Pakistan Chowk and Charsadda Chowk, causing inconveniences to pedestrians.In the vicinity of District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, where the majority of private clinics are located, people park their vehicles on the road in the evening due to lack of parking facility which creates severe traffic jams.
The citizens said the situation was particularly troublesome for women, elderly people, and persons with disabilities, who find it extremely difficult to walk through crowded market areas. In response to the growing public concern, the Mardan City Council in its recent meeting unanimously passed a resolution urging the district administration to take immediate and effective action against encroachments.
The resolution emphasized that the ongoing situation is not only causing inconvenience to the public but is also damaging the city’s overall image and urban management. The residents have appealed to the authorities to launch a comprehensive operation to remove encroachments and restore footpaths and roads for public use. They warned that if timely action is not taken, public frustration may increase further.
