Saharanpur's 52-Year-Old Tibetan Market Demolished in Anti-Encroachment Drive

• The 52-year-old Tibetan cloth market in Saharanpur, UP, has been permanently dismantled as part of an anti-encroachment drive.
• Initially run by Tibetans, the market gradually saw other communities take over, expanding from ground sales to handcarts and small shops, encroaching on the road.
• The market was known for affordable clothing, with items ranging from 100 to 500 rupees, catering to low-income buyers.
• Saharanpur's inclusion in the Smart City project led the Municipal Corporation to remove encroachments, including the Tibetan Market.
• While some traders supported the removal of encroachment for public convenience, concerns were raised about the new, distant location provided to vendors and its impact on their business.

Why It Matters: Saharanpur's historic Tibetan Market, a hub for affordable clothing, was demolished due to encroachment as part of the Smart City project.