India, Nov. 10 -- Unauthorised traders and encroachments are on the rise across Pune, with the highest number reported in the Parvati constituency, municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has said.

"Pune has over two lakh unauthorised traders, with the highest concentration in the Parvati constituency. If the civic body and police take firm action, nearly 20 per cent of the city's road space can be reclaimed for traffic. A citywide campaign to remove these encroachments will be launched soon," the commissioner said.

Over the past few days, the municipal commissioner has been personally inspecting multiple areas across the city.

Under the National Hawker Policy, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issues certificates to licensed stree...