BATTAGRAM: The tehsil municipal administration launched an anti-encroachment drive in the main Battagram Bazaar here on Tuesday, promising to restore the marketplace to its original shape.

The drive was led by assistant commissioner Mohammad Saleem with the assistance of DSP Naveed Khan, TMA law-enforcement officer Dosti Rehman, and anti-encroachment squad personnel.

The TMA officials removed temporary illegal structures from outside shops, stalls, and sitting areas from footpaths, and warned shopkeepers against throwing garbage or other material on footpaths.TMA official Dosti Rehman complained that footpaths meant for pedestrians were encroached upon by traders and vendors, while some of them even illegally covered drains to keep their goods.

AC Mohammad Saleem said the anti-encroachment drive was meant to facilitate movement of road and footpath users.

On the occasion, deputy commissioner Asif Ali Khan said the crackdown on encroachments was a vital step towards restoration of the beauty of the Battagram Bazaar.

He said the government would take strict action against encroachers of public places.

The DC praised the TMA for removing encroachments from the roadside and bazaars.