Operation Khatara: Admin to remove abandoned vehicles

Hubbali,

After intensifying its drive against footpath encroachments across the twin cities, the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), in association with the city police, is set to launch ‘Operation Khatara’ to remove abandoned, rusted and junk vehicles occupying public roads and open spaces. Inspired by a similar initiative undertaken by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the proposed drive aims to reclaim public space, ease traffic movement, improve road safety and prevent the misuse of abandoned vehicles for criminal activities.

Officials said rusted vehicles lying unattended for years have become a common sight on road sides and in residential areas across Hubballi and Dharwad. Abandoned vehicles can be spotted along Karwar Road, Kalghatgi Road  and in localities such as Deshpande Nagar, where they occupy valuable public space, obstruct movement and create an eyesore. Civic officials said many of these vehicles have remained unattended for years, with authorities often unable to trace their owners.

The move comes even as HDMC continues its sustained campaign to clear footpaths encroached upon by street vendors. In recent weeks, civic teams have removed encroach ments from Durgad Bail, Food Street, Keshwapur, Ramesh Bhavan, Navanagar, Daivajnya Colony, Bengeri and several other localities. Unlike previous sporadic drives, officials say the current campaign is being carried out on a regular basis.

Speaking to News Trail, HDMC Public Relations Officer Girish Talwar said the corporation has been conducting footpath clearance operations every fort night despite staff being engaged in other official duties. “We are seeking police assistance to make the drive more effective and ensure footpaths remain free from encroachments. We are also planning to jointly clear abandoned and junk vehicles from public roads,” he said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) Ravish C.R. confirmed that the police department is preparing to launch a similar operation.

“We are waiting for HDMC to complete the ongoing footpath clearance exercise. Once that is over, we will begin Operation Khatara. Several abandoned vehicles lying on roads may be linked to unresolved criminal cases or could be misused for unlawful activities without coming to the notice of authorities,” he said. According to police officials, the drive will help identify stolen vehicles, improve surveillance, reduce traffic bottlenecks, facilitate road cleaning operations and enhance pedestrian safety. It will also free up parking space and improve the overall appearance of the city. Civic authorities and police are expected to jointly identify, notify and remove abandoned vehicles under the proposed operation.