In Mardan, encroachers have occupied large portions of the city's bazaars, roads, and chowks, allegedly in connivance with concerned officials, leading to severe traffic congestion and inconvenience for pedestrians. A survey conducted by The Nation revealed that rampant encroachments across major bazaars and chowks have severely disrupted daily movement in the city. Residents reported that illegally erected stalls, shop extensions, and temporary structures have overtaken footpaths and roadways.
Key Areas Affected
According to locals, the encroachment mafia has effectively occupied large sections of Bank Road, Shaheedano Bazaar, Judge Bazaar, Shamshi Road, Bus Adda Road, Charsadda Chowk, Chalmari Road, Dwasaro Chowk, Par Hoti Chowk, and Gaju Khan Road. The resulting congestion has led to chronic traffic blockages and restricted safe pedestrian movement. At Chalmari Road near Charsadda Chowk, where most tractor workshops are located, mechanics routinely park tractors along the roadside, creating persistent hurdles for residents. Several banks and private hospitals have also installed heavy generators on footpaths, further narrowing the already-constricted walkways.
Impact on Pedestrians
Residents said that in several areas, footpaths are informally rented out by shopkeepers or property owners, enabling encroachers to set up fruit and vegetable stalls, particularly along Adda Road, Pakistan Chowk, and Charsadda Chowk. These encroachments have made it nearly impossible for pedestrians to navigate some of the city's busiest areas. On Shamshi Road near the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, where numerous private clinics are located, evening traffic becomes gridlocked as visitors park their vehicles along the main road due to the lack of designated parking spaces.
Additional Challenges
A number of hotels on Bank Road and in Judge Bazaar see customers parking along the roadside, creating further difficulties for commuters. Most shopkeepers in the city's roads, chowks, and bazaars have extended their businesses onto footpaths, causing hardships for both pedestrians and motorists. The Mega Mart on Nowshera Road lacks adequate parking facilities, prompting customers to park on the roadside, leading to serious traffic problems. Citizens lamented that the situation is particularly challenging for women, elderly people, and persons with disabilities, who struggle to move through crowded market areas.
Call for Action
The people of Mardan have urged the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to take concrete steps to address the issue and launch an immediate and effective anti-encroachment operation across the city so that residents can obtain relief.
