Manekchowk Encroachment Drive Sparks Clash Between Traders and AMC Team

A dispute broke out in Ahmedabad’s Manekchowk on Wednesday night as traders and locals opposed an AMC estate department drive to clear roadside encroachments.

The confrontation took place along the road from Pankor Naka to Manekchowk, where traders selling cutlery and other goods objected to the action. A video of the heated exchange has since circulated on social media.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s central zone estate department began the encroachment removal drive on September 1. When the team returned on the night of September 2, traders and residents gathered at the spot and protested.

Traders Question Selective Action

Traders alleged that the civic body was targeting specific areas instead of addressing encroachments across Manekchowk.

They pointed to tables and chairs placed on the road around food-market lorries, claiming the obstruction creates difficulties for vehicles passing through the area at night. They said even emergency vehicles, including 108 ambulances, can face problems while navigating the congested stretch.

The traders questioned why action was being taken on the approach road while similar obstructions in the main Manekchowk market remained untouched.

They demanded that the civic body first clear roadside tables, chairs and other obstructions from the main food and beverage market before proceeding with action against traders on the outer road.

Questions Over Earlier Permissions

Locals also raised questions about permissions that had reportedly been granted earlier for lorries in Manekchowk.

According to them, police had previously allowed around 40 to 50 lorries to be parked for parcel delivery purposes. They claimed the permission did not allow traders to obstruct traffic by placing tables and chairs on the road.

Locals further alleged that these earlier permissions have since been cancelled, but food and beverage businesses continue to operate on the road.

Estate Team Leaves After Protest

During the confrontation, estate department personnel reportedly told the protesters that they had been instructed by senior officials to remove encroachments from a specific area.

Locals accused the officials of carrying out the drive only on the directions received from higher authorities and questioned why similar action was not being taken elsewhere in Manekchowk.

With traders and residents continuing their protest, the estate department team eventually left the spot without removing the alleged encroachments.

Questions Over Political Influence

The dispute has also triggered discussion within municipal circles over alleged political influence behind the roadside food and beverage businesses operating in Manekchowk.

There are allegations that some former corporators have been extending their support to businesses operating amid the congestion. The claims have not been independently established.

The focus now shifts to the central zone estate department and senior AMC officials, who face questions over whether the encroachment drive will be extended to the main Manekchowk market and whether the same standards will be applied to all roadside obstructions.