Special Report: Ravindra Arya
Ghaziabad and surrounding areas
Ghaziabad:
After years of unchecked illegal weekly markets, unlicensed trade, and businesses operating without identity verification, the Municipal Corporation has now adopted a strict stance. Acting on clear instructions from Mayor Sunita Dayal, the Municipal Corporation has initiated a process of verification, listing, and documentary scrutiny of traders operating in weekly markets. This move is being seen as the first such firm and serious action of its kind in Ghaziabad.
Concrete Action Begins in Ghaziabad Against Illegal Trade, Unverified Migrants, and Alleged Bangladeshi–Rohingya Infiltration
This initiative is not merely an administrative exercise, but is being regarded as an important part of the ongoing campaign against illegal market settlements, unverified migrants, and alleged Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration. Local residents, traders, and social organizations have welcomed this step and expressed gratitude to Mayor Sunita Dayal for initiating this campaign.
Not a Sudden Decision, but the Result of Prolonged Public Pressure
This action is not a one-day decision. It is the outcome of sustained public pressure, continuous demands from trader organizations, and serious questions raised at the grassroots level. In many areas of Ghaziabad, weekly markets had allegedly become a cover for—
- Illegal encroachments
- Trade without licenses and identity verification
- Traffic chaos
- Alleged Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltration
- Serious security concerns
These issues were reportedly growing at an alarming pace.
Impact of Public Movement, Trader Organizations, and Persistent Journalism
City trader leader and Uttar Pradesh Trade Board General Secretary Raju Chhabra, BJP General Secretary from Shalimar Garden Pappu Pehlwan, HRD Pinky Bhaiya, and journalist Ravindra Arya repeatedly raised this issue, questioning—
- Who exactly is operating businesses in weekly markets?
- Do they possess valid licenses and identity documents?
- Why are regular verifications by the Municipal Corporation and police not being conducted?
Amid these persistent questions and pressure, the Municipal Corporation has now clarified for the first time that all vendors, including hawkers, street vendors, and weekly market operators, will be formally listed and their documents verified.
Verification Drive on Alleged Bangladeshi–Rohingya Infiltration
At the local level, there has also been a consistent demand for an impartial investigation into allegations that some weekly markets include individuals allegedly residing illegally, including Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants. Citizens and traders have emphasized that the action should not target any community, but should strictly focus on illegal activities and businesses operating without valid documentation.
The Municipal Corporation has clearly stated that any individual found without valid documents—regardless of origin or background—will face action in accordance with the law.
A Serious Issue of Law, Order, and Public Safety
This matter is not limited to trade or employment alone; it is directly linked to law and order, administrative control, and public safety. Unregulated and unverified markets lead to—
- Disruption of traffic systems
- Financial losses for permanent local shopkeepers
- Questions over the effectiveness of police and administrative control
- The swift activation of municipal officials following the Mayor’s directives signals that this issue will no longer be taken lightly.
- For the First Time, Clear Administrative Will Visible
This is the first time in Ghaziabad that the Municipal Corporation has initiated a comprehensive process of verification, listing, and identity checks across weekly markets. For this reason, local residents, traders, and social activists have termed the move historic and commendable.
Trader organizations believe that if this process is implemented in a fair, transparent, and regular manner, it will—
- Effectively curb illegal encroachments
- Protect legitimate traders
- Strengthen Ghaziabad’s image as an organized and secure city
- Role of Public Voice and Journalism
This entire development stands as an example of how consistent, factual, and responsible reporting, combined with the collective voice of traders and social activists, can compel the administration to act.
The current action by the Municipal Corporation is being seen as a direct outcome of sustained public pressure, the campaign against alleged Bangladeshi–Rohingya illegal infiltration, and continuous civic engagement.
The verification drive in weekly markets is not just an administrative formality; it is a first concrete step toward freeing Ghaziabad from disorder, illegal encroachments, and unchecked activities.
Now, all eyes are on how this campaign is implemented on the ground—in accordance with the law, with fairness, and with consistency.
- What is certain for now is this : Ghaziabad has begun moving toward greater order, accountability, and security.
Author: Ravindra Arya
(Research-based writing on Indian culture, religion, and global symbols)
