Silchar civic body gives traders till Nov 14 to clear roads and footpaths

The Silchar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has told commercial establishments and street vendors along one of the city's busiest stretches to clear encroachments from roads and footpaths by November 14, Barak Bulletin reported.

The notice covers the area between Capital Point and Rangirkhari Point, including National Highway Point and the surrounding areas.

What the notice says

According to the civic body, from the given date businesses and street vendors in these areas will not be allowed to occupy roads or footpaths with goods, materials or other items for their commercial activities.

The notice has been issued to all commercial establishments and vendors operating in the stretch. It directs them to keep public roads and footpaths free so that people can move without obstruction.

The SMC has warned that anyone who violates the order will face legal action by the corporation and the police administration.

Not a ban on vending

The notice does not ban shops or street vending in the area, the report said. What it prohibits is the use of public roads and footpaths for business in a way that blocks people's movement.

The civic body has not announced any relocation plan or vending zones for those affected. It is also not yet known whether an eviction drive will follow after the deadline.

A familiar problem

Encroachment on footpaths is a long-standing complaint in Silchar, the largest city in the Barak Valley and the headquarters of Cachar district. Goods spilling out of shops and roadside stalls often push pedestrians onto the road in crowded market areas, adding to traffic jams.

The SMC has carried out several anti-encroachment drives in the past, including a multi-day eviction drive in July 2025 to reclaim congested roads and footpaths, and another drive in September 2025 aimed at easing traffic and improving the look of the city.

What traders and residents should know

• The deadline is November 14, 2026.
• The order covers the Capital Point to Rangirkhari Point stretch, including National Highway Point and adjoining areas.
• Goods, materials or other items must not be kept on roads or footpaths for business after that date.
• Violations can lead to legal action by the SMC and the police.

Traders' bodies and vendors' associations had not publicly responded to the notice as of Tuesday night.