Dharwad: The Hubballi Dharwad Muncipal Corporation (HDMC) has set up a five-day deadline for vendors to clear their shops set up encroaching the road, failing which the corporation will launch a clearance drive on the sixth day.

Based on complaints from the general public regarding the encroachment of road and footpaths by the vendors of fruits, vegetables among other stuff in the market area, and also by others on some of the prominent streets in Dharwad, HDMC Commissioner Major (retd) Siddalingayya Hiremath has given strict warning to the erring vendors.

At a meeting held here with vendors the Commissioner said everyday the general public are complaining on traffic nuisance created because of the vendors occupying major portions of the roads within the market area.

Though they have been warned not to encroach the roads and create problems for the market goers, some of the vendors are creating problems, forcing the HDMC to act tough, he said hinting at launching encroachment clearance drive.

Reacting to this, the vendors stated that the HDMC cannot shift them as per Supreme Court ruling.

Answering to this, Hiremath said vendors are the ones who go about in the city selling their products and not those who set up stalls at one place. Some vendors have set up unauthorised stalls by encroaching upon the roads from the last several years, he said.