Ruckus erupts during Shimla Mall road encroachment drive; FIRs filed against shopkeepers
Shimla, Nov 12,
What began as a routine anti-encroachment operation by the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Wedensday turned tense when several shopkeepers allegedly obstructed and misbehaved with civic employees along the city’s iconic Mall Road. The incident, now widely circulating on social media through videos of verbal altercations, has prompted the Corporation to lodge police complaints against those involved.
According to SMC Commissioner Bhupinder Attri, the drive was undertaken following multiple complaints from residents and tourists regarding encroachments along the busy pedestrian stretch between Shere Punjab and the Lift. “Our teams went to clear the area after repeated warnings. However, some shopkeepers shouted at and obstructed our employees while they were performing their official duty,” Attri told reporters.
The Commissioner said the civic body views the matter seriously, calling it an attempt to obstruct government work. “We have filed complaints with the police, and cases are being registered under relevant provisions against those who prevented public servants from carrying out their duties,” he added.
The operation is part of the SMC’s broader campaign to restore the Mall Road’s heritage character and improve pedestrian movement, which has been increasingly hindered by shop extensions, unauthorized signboards, and roadside displays. “We will continue such operations despite resistance. Traders and vendors must cooperate if the Mall Road is to remain a world-class heritage promenade,” Attri said.
Police officials confirmed receipt of the Corporation’s complaints and said preliminary investigations are underway. “CCTV footage and statements of municipal employees are being examined to identify those responsible,” a senior police officer said.
Meanwhile, civic sources indicated that the Corporation may consider cancelling trade licenses of habitual offenders and imposing stricter penalties in case of repeated violations.
The episode has sparked a fresh debate among citizens online — some backing the Corporation’s effort to reclaim public space, while others have criticized the timing and manner of the drive
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