Silchar: The Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Wednesday pressed forward with its determined eviction drive for the third consecutive day, targeting illegal encroachments across several of the town’s busiest thoroughfares.

From the early hours, SMC officials, supported by enforcement personnel and police, moved in to clear unauthorized stalls, street vendors, and makeshift structures that had long occupied footpaths and carriageways, severely hampering pedestrian and vehicular movement.

The day’s operation spanned key commercial and administrative areas—beginning at Sadarghat Road and stretching through Central Road, Premtola Point, Shillong Patty, the vicinity of Park Road, Court Compound, and the stretch from Capital Point to the SMC headquarters. Loudspeaker announcements were made urging vendors to vacate voluntarily, following which dismantling and removal of encroaching structures were carried out.

An SMC spokesperson at the site said the drive aimed to restore public order in the face of increasing congestion. “These spaces have been occupied illegally for far too long. We are committed to ensuring that roads and footpaths are accessible and safe for all. Our enforcement will continue until order is restored,” the official told DDIPR.

The campaign has drawn praise from local residents and commuters, many of whom have struggled to navigate the cluttered streets in recent months. “It had become a daily risk just walking through these areas. The footpaths were totally blocked, forcing us into traffic. This cleanup is a big relief,” said a resident of Shillong Patty who witnessed the eviction drive.

SMC emphasized that while the concerns of street vendors are being acknowledged, public convenience and safety remain paramount. “We are in the process of identifying proper vending zones where vendors can operate without causing obstruction. Until that is finalized, encroachments on public space will not be permitted,” added the spokesperson.

This week’s eviction campaign has been sparked by mounting public complaints about traffic bottlenecks and pedestrian hazards due to unchecked encroachments. Wednesday’s operation was the most extensive so far, covering a wider area and removing a larger number of illegal setups than in the previous two days.

The SMC has assured that such drives will continue in the coming days, with periodic monitoring to prevent re-encroachment. The civic body has also appealed for cooperation from street vendors and citizens alike to maintain the reclaimed public space.

As the operation concluded, commuters were greeted with noticeably clearer footpaths and improved traffic flow an encouraging sign of what sustained civic intervention can achieve. Locals now hope these efforts will lead to a more organized and accessible Silchar in the long term.

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