Cuttack, June 3: Traders today opposed an eviction drive launched by the municipal corporation, police and the development authority on Mastan Road.

Protesting against the decision of the cops to slap fine for illegal encroachments, the traders demanded improvement of infrastructure before launching the crackdown.

"Today, the enforcement squad asked us to pay a fine of Rs 500 for encroaching upon the road. We oppose the demand as there is no proper parking lot and other necessary infrastructure here," said Abdul, a protester.

The local traders also alleged that there was no proper demarcation on the road, and hence, it was practically impossible for them to ensure parking of vehicles.

The traders claim that due to absence of proper area, most of the customers are forced to park on the road.

Senior officials, on the other hand, claimed that most of the businessmen had encroached upon the drain to set up their shops.

Besides, four-wheelers are parked on roadside for long hours, and it creates problems in traffic movement.

The entire stretch from Howrah Motors Chhak to Buxi Bazar via Mastan Road is one of the busiest roads in the city and acts as a connecting link among prominent destinations, including Cantonment, Medical Road, Ring Road and Tinikonia Bagicha.

The eviction drive was launched from Howrah Motors to Buxi Bazar with an objective to penalise violators and clear the road of all encroachments.

Over 25 violators were fined for illegal encroachment, parking and nearly Rs 8,000 was collected today.

A senior official said a review of the existing infrastructure would be done keeping in view the demand of the traders.

"We will ask officials of the Cuttack Municipal Corporation to conduct a fresh assessment for demarcation of government land, so that the illegal encroachments can be removed," said assistant commissioner of police (traffic) P.K. Dalai.

He also said officials of the roads and buildings division had already been asked to take steps, so that demarcations were made on the road.

After it is done, the traders as well as the commuters will be asked to park vehicles on the designated area or else action would be taken against them, he said.