Anti-encroachment drive would boost business: Ahmedabad traders

The anti-encroachment drive carried out by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the city's Commissioner of Police will give a boost to business, city traders said on Thursday. They, however, clarified that the drive should not be a temporary one and should last to ensure that it is effective.

"Heavy traffic jam was a major issue for businessmen. We were losing footfalls, there were so many accidents and even ambulances were not able to ply properly. Removal of encroachments will increase the business," said Harshad Gilitwala, president of Amadavad Vepari Mahajan (AVM), a body that represents traders of the city. They estimate that business will rise by about 30%.

On the issue that roadside vendors are losing business, a section of traders feel that many vendors are a nuisance and occupy the space illegally, which is hurting the business of shop owners.

Ashish Jhaveri, convener of media cell of AVM, said that it is critical for AMC to improve the quality and quantity of public transport so that citizens do not feel the need to use private vehicles.

Kirit Patel, president of central zone of AVM, said that heavy handedness is necessary to discipline the masses. Mukesh Sheth, president of Ratanpol Kapad Mahajan, said that after the oral instructions of police that AMC would remove the boards of shops, not placed according to legal provisions, shop owners have started removing the boards themselves.