Chandigarh, Feb. 15 -- Stepping up its efforts to combat the growing menace of encroachments across the city, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) is planning to impose stiffer penalties on shopkeepers and street vendors repeatedly occupying public spaces illegally.

Currently, violators face a fine of Rs.2,000 for the release of seized articles, but under a new proposal, the penalty for first-time offenders will increase to a whopping Rs.5,500, including a fine of Rs.500 and Rs.5,000 as recovery charge.

In case of a second violation, the penalty will rise further to Rs.6,000, including Rs.5,500 as recovery charge. A third violation will lead to permanent seizure and auctioning of the violator's goods. MC is set to present this prop...