Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), in an anti-encroachment drive at the Sarojini Nagar market on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, removed shop extensions, awnings, signage and permanent structures set up by establishments at the locations. Traders, however, cried foul over the drive due to the alleged lack of notice and claimed it affected 150 shops.

Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Market traders’ association, said bulldozers and enforcement teams of the civic body arrived at the market around 11pm after the market was closed and traders had left. “Between 11.30pm and 1am, they have demolished awnings, signage and shop facades in case of almost 150 shops. If we had not intervened, the damage could have been much worse. Awnings are used in all markets across Delhi to protect from sunlight and rain,” Randhawa said.

In a statement, NDMC said, “We are consistently undertaking anti-encroachment drives to maintain encroachment-free urban spaces and ensure unhindered access to markets, footpaths, and public areas for visitors. As part of this ongoing initiative, NDMC conducted a night-time anti-encroachment operation yesterday under its intensified anti-enforcement drive, aimed at reclaiming public spaces and enhancing urban accessibility.”