Howrah’s Mangalahat turned tense on Monday as police carried out a major drive to remove illegal encroachments from roads and pavements, leading to clashes with traders and subsequent protests.
Traders resist eviction in howrah
According to sources, Mangalahat traditionally operates once a week on Tuesdays. However, over the past few years, it has gradually expanded to three days a week, from Sunday to Tuesday, after traders began setting up stalls from late Sunday night.
Heavy force deployed during clearance
On Monday morning, a heavy police force was deployed in the Howrah Maidan area and nearby stretches, including Bipulbiplab Haren Ghosh Sarani, to clear the occupied spaces. Police used force, including baton charges, to disperse traders who had gathered in defiance of earlier warnings.
Traffic congestion prompts police action
The administration had reportedly announced through public address systems that street and pavement vending would not be allowed. Despite this, traders regrouped, leading to renewed protests. They demanded that they be allowed to continue operating at least once a week.
Vendors demand weekly market rights
Officials said repeated encroachment on roads and footpaths had been causing severe traffic congestion and public inconvenience in the area for a long time. Authorities have maintained that vendors will be allotted designated spaces, but encroachment on roads and pavements will not be tolerated.
