Over a month prior to their eviction and two weeks after they were assured of temporary arrangements, vendors removed from Mahatma Gandhi Marg, popularly known as Main Road, are yet to receive the vending zones they were promised.
The primary artery of Ranchi was declared ‘no-vending zone’ in April on orders from Jharkhand High Court, affecting more than 600 footpath vendors and street hawkers doing business between Overbridge and Kutchery Chowk, to resolve bottlenecks to traffic flow on this street. Following an appeal made earlier this month by street vendor bodies requesting the court to reconsider its decision, civic guardians were asked to make alternative arrangements to rehabilitate them until some permanent solution can be reached in this matter.
In light of the order, a team from Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) had inspected and finalised six temporary vending zones in the first week of May, but that is all there is to it till now. In absence of proper spaces to move to, some vendors have set up shops in alleyways opening to Main Road instead.
“After the hearing in High Court on May 4, we were contacted by RMC to suggest suitable locations for setting up temporary vending zones. Although we were not allowed much time, a list was sent to them within the time we were permitted. Two weeks have passed but these locations have not been brushed-up yet for the vendors,” said Sandeep Verma, Secretary, National Hawkers’ Federation.
After the inspection, civic guardians had earmarked Purulia Road, Sharda Babu lane, JJ Road, stretch parallel to Shastri Market, near Zila School and opposite Daily Market to accommodate 640 street vendors. Vendors refuse to move to these spots on grounds that their dirty condition makes it difficult to open shops, let along market merchandise.
“These places were to be cleaned after we proposed them, but this step has been neglected by the urban local body. The places allotted to the vendors have garbage dumped close by and drains flow on the streets. Selling goods is an unclean situation as this is not possible,” Verma said.
No official authorisation has been handed to the vendors, establishing that they can use these new vending zones. When asked, RMC functionaries assured that these six zones are being cleaned and will be ready soon. “Cleaning work is progressing well and will be completed within the coming week. As for official authorisation from RMC, it will be issued during the same time. Hawkers can start using the zones shortly,” stated Deputy Mayor Sanjeev Vijaywargia.
The project to erect a permanent vending zone in the plot located south of Jaipal Singh Stadium is also being given concrete form, he assured. “The tenders for inviting interested firms have been floated and bids will be opened soon. The multi-purpose structure will feature 650 counters for street vendors, offices, banquet halls and parking for visitors. The empanelled agency will have 12 to 18 months to complete work,” Vijaywargia said.