Encroachments At Bhopal's Boat Club Spark Concerns; Visitors Demand Action Against Unauthorized Food Carts

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The increasing number of unauthorised food carts and kiosks at Bhopal's iconic Boat Club area has become a cause of concern for visitors and authorities alike. Despite efforts by Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) to regulate the area, encroachments continue to grow, creating challenges for pedestrians and those seeking parking spaces.

According to BMC revenue department, tenders were issued for four authorised food spots in Boat Club area, each with a validity of three years. Currently, only two of these spots are operational while the remaining two remain vacant.

However, over 25 kiosks and more than 20 unauthorised food carts have surfaced, occupying sidewalks and parking spaces much to dismay of visitors. BMC official Shailendra Singh Bhadouriya stated that regular actions were being taken to address the issue. “We seize food carts in Boat Club area. BMC zonal officers are responsible for issuing kiosk allotments. If any kiosks are found, strict action will be taken,” he said. As the problem persists, visitors and residents are urging authorities to take more decisive steps to address the problem and preserve Boat Club’s appeal as a serene recreational spot.

However, BMC is yet to take action against increasing encroachments in Boat Club area. BMC chairman Kishan Suryawanshi said no entity other than civic body was authorised to allot spaces for shops in the area. "We will thoroughly investigate permissions for all kiosks. If any encroachments are found, strict action will be taken to restore Boat Club to its original, encroachment-free state," he said.