India, Aug. 21 -- LUCKNOW Footpaths buried under carts, road widths usurped by makeshift shops and pedestrians cramped for space - the bustling streets of Lalbagh, Aminabad, Qaiserbagh, Chowk, Bazarkhala and Nakkhas have been synonymous with these issues for years. But a picture of contrast emerged on Thursday when the district administration, Lucknow Municipal Corporation and the Lucknow Police came together for an anti-encroachment drive across the city, proving that efforts can make a difference.

Roads long "lost" to illegal vendors were finally visible again and pavements, usually not seen, were properly visible after the drive.

Though the initiative began on Wednesday, it gained momentum on Thursday with senior officers, including ...