Locate vending zones away from city markets

For the last 50 years the Chandigarh Administration has been rewarding encroachers with permanent dwellings/booths, which they further sublet or sell and again encroach upon some other prime land. The whole story is repeated again and again. I wonder how illegal occupation by vendors gives them a legitimate right to claim alternative space to do business. The administration has always failed to get the public land evicted from encroachers.  The real estate in Chandigarh comes at a premium and should not be doled out for free to illegal occupiers of public space. Even now, the MC can start a weekly market on a vacant land. No permanent place should be earmarked for such market. Vendors should be kept out of main markets in the city.

Sanjeev Chadha,  Chandigarh

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Keep vendors out of markets

Vendors should not be allocated place in/outside any market. Already there is traffic problem in the city. Due to encroachments in prime markets it is difficult to go from one showroom to other. Moreover, business of those paying hefty monthly rent is also suffering due to vendors.

PS  Sodhi, Chandigarh

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Don’t take the matter lightly

 To bring vendors in Sec 19 markets, one of the oldest in the City Beautiful, is not a matter to be taken lightly. Already residents of nearby sectors face high congestion on roads and pick-pocketsduring rush hours in markets. There is no space to walk leave aside parking in markets. What is the administration trying to do to in highly congested areas? Allocating space to vendors in markets will only increase the risk of accidents and crime. Eve teasing, groping in public and road rage incidents due to parking will create a lot of nuisance.

Manu, Chandigarh 

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Vendors behave rudely with customers

We shopkeepers are already facing problems as bad behaviour of vendors creates nuisance. Already there is shortage of parking in Sector 22 markets. Moreover, allotting vending sites in front of booths to every vendor will lead to chaos in parking zones. For example if 50 vendorsare allotted space in Sector 22 markets then there will be 50 rickshaws permanently parked in the area, which is not acceptable.  Vendors use rickshaws to transport and sell goods. We are not against vendors, but they must be given space outside markets to avoid untoward incidentsbetween shopkeepers and them.

Raman Mahajan, Chandigarh   

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Will affect business of shopkeepers

Street vendors should be allotted space outside the market area. Giving them space outside shops may affect business of their owners. People paying high rent for shops will be the most affected.

Rajinder Mehndiratta, Chandigarh

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Not safe for women to visit markets in odd hours

 As executive members of the sector 22 resident welfare association we strongly oppose and object allotment of vending sites in front of booth market 1 to 50. We are already bearing nuisance and cheap remarks of street vendors, who have occupied space opposite the booth market. We pray to higher authorities to kindly look into the matter at the earliest and save us and our women from these hardships. It is difficult for them to go to the market at odd hours.

Sidhant Tuli, Chandigarh 

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Decision should be welcomed

As decision of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation to allot space to vendors within markets falls under the street vendors’ policy so, it should be welcomed.  Where are traders when street vendors roam in markets illegally? What bothers them if vendors will get authorisation to carry out their business legally? Do they have any vested interests? Whatsoever is the reason, the authorities have taken a good decision. Street vending should be legalised so that vendors can earn their livelihood with honour.  Residents will also benefit as they can buy things, which are sold at double or triple rates at showrooms in the same market area, at reasonable price.

Rashi Srivastava, Chandigarh

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More cases of robbery and thefts

We strongly oppose allotment of vending sites in front of Booth Market 1 to 50 by the MC. Our market comprises mostly of jewellers. Chances of robbery and thefts will increase considerably if vendors are given space outside our shops. We are witnessing nuisance behaviour of street vendors, who have already occupied space opposite our shops. The higher authorities should get rid of them as soon as possible. But instead of removing vendors the MC has come out with a plan to earmark space for them, which is objectionable and unacceptable.  The higher authorities should look into the matter and take appropriate steps to mitigate hardships of shopkeepers.

Ranjan Verma, Chandigarh   

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Follow pattern of Apni Mandis

 Registration of vendors should not be only for political gains. They should be provided proper space and opportunities to earn their livelihood. However, allotting space in the existing busy markets will be a chaos, inconvenience residents and create traffic bottlenecks on roads. Organised Apni/Kisan Mandis are a success, profitable for vendors and useful for consumers in the city. As such, the MC should earmark vending zones preferably on vacant government landnear markets with adequate basic amenities. Open space on the outskirts of Sector 39 grain market is more suitable for the vending zone.

Col Balbir Singh Mathauda, Chandigarh 

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Will create rift in society

Allotting space to vendors in markets will create a rift and hatred in society. Confrontation and nuisance will increase among traders and vendors. Overall, allotting space for vendors in front of showrooms/shops will be gross injustice to traders as they have invested huge amount on property and stocks. It is also against the concept of City Beautiful.

Harjit  Singh, Chandigarh 

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An anti-trader idea

I am deeply pained to know that there is likelihood of allowing vendors in city markets. The whole idea is anti-trader and unjust as the administration itself is trying to destabilise the established retailing business by denting the very economic fabric of the city. Retailers or service providers, who have bought or rented expensive commercial properties, and invested huge sum in furniture and fixtures as well as stock, will suddenly have an insecure future when they will find street vendors sitting in front of their establishmentsselling similar goods. It will erode the age-old businesses run by shopkeepers, who not only arehighest employment generators, but also contribute significantly to the state exchequer. In case the government is serious about rehabilitation of vendors then officials must chalk out vending zones at vacant spaces. 

Diwakar Sahoonja, Chandigarh  

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Don’t irritate customers without any reason

The strength of vendors outside showrooms nowadays is increasing with each passing day. They keep on pestering customers even if he/she does want to buy goods from them. Sometimes,vendors stop and irritate people in markets. We are not against vendors. They should be relocated to Sectors 48 to 56 where there is ample space. They must be driven out of Sector 17as it is still developing.

Ankush Chadha, Chandigarh

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MC has taken good decision

The Municipal Corporation has taken a good decision of settling vendors in Chandigarh. Vendors should be allotted space in the vacant area keeping in view security of shopkeepers. Vendors must not suffer to earn their livelihood.

Paras Kumar Goyal, Chandigarh

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Involve market associations

Many eyebrows are being raised on intentional delay because of vested political interests to allot space to vendors. It is also vital to ensure that vending-free zones are not encroached under any circumstances. Survey by the private agency drew severe criticism as guidelines were ignored and names of many ineligible vendors were included in the list, which led to delay in their shifting. City markets are facing acute parking space shortage. Chaos prevails every where. Interestingly, Sector 17 was notified as no-vending zone, but has been completely run over by squatters. It will be appropriate to involve market associations in zone vending committee to ensure proper rehabilitation of eligible vendors and implementation of the Act.

Jagdishpal Singh Kalra, Chandigarh

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Don’t allow vendors near markets

Vendors should not be allowed near markets as it takes away their beauty. They abuse a lot, which is not good for society. They create a lot of nuisance, which is a major turn off for markets. Being a resident of Chandigarh for the past 21 years, I think vendors should be allocated space away from markets.

Prince, Chandigarh  

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Not a right decision

This is not a right decision of the MC. It is totally unfair and illegal step. Traders are right to oppose the move.  It will directly affect their business. Vendors do not hesitate to encroach upon space in front of their shops. They even occupy corridors meant for movement of the people. But the MC has expressed its inability to remove vendors. The authority sleeps as vendors are their vote bank. There is a need to break the unholy nexus between the MC, police and politicians.

Vidya Sagar Garg, Panchkula

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Politicians must rise above vote bank

 Vendors are rendering useful service to city residents from all walks of life. However, with their mushrooming all over in city markets, on roads, footpaths and around parks, they have become a source of big nuisance. They create unhygienic conditions, congestion and traffic hazards. The authorities should shed their vested interests and politicians should rise above their vote bank benefits to resolve the vital issue of curbing their unwanted increase and relocation of registered vendors at suitable places in order to keep the aesthetic look of the City Beautiful intact.

DR Kapoor, Panchkula

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Will eclipse beauty of Chandigarh

Providing space to vendors for their business activities within markets will definitely downgrade the captivated beauty of reputed markets for national and international visitors to the City Beautiful. Moreover, the illogical decision of allotment of spaces to vendors will create more parking woes and unhygienic conditions for which the local administration always faces predicament keeping in view the available infrastructure. The move of the Municipal Corporation will be more applaudable had it been sensitive to the welfare of vendors and the general public. The MC should identify a separate area for their day and late night business. The sheen of the‘City Beautiful’ should be the priority of every citizen and the Administration as envisaged by its architect.

Bhupinder S Sealopal, Mohali

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Vendors are disrupting business of traders

I feel vendors should be given a different space as they are disrupting our business by taking away our customers. They place their goods in the parking area of markets further leading to congestion. Thus, it’ll be fair enough to allot them a different vacant space so that they can carry out their business without proving to be a major setback for our work.

Akanksha  Gulati,   Chandigarh 

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Officials playing with traders’ sentiments

I am much surprised as MC officials, who visit foreign countries frequently, are still playing with the sentiments of owners of showrooms and booths. Though the government is interested in vendor zone, in my view there should be a “Flea Market” at an allocated place only on Saturdays and Sundays without any ‘pakka thara’ with full amenities like washroom, fire brigade, police and parking space. Secondly, there should be weekly bazaar on Delhi pattern like Som Bazaar Budh Bazaar and Shukar Bazaar in different markets.

Ajay Gupta, Chandigarh

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Move will aggravate problems of residents

Sector markets are already very congested. There is little space for movement of customers. Parking lots are overcrowded resulting in consumers parking there vehicles on roads. In such a situation, vendor zones within markets will further aggravate the situation. So, it will be prudentto demarcate vendor zones outside markets by locating suitable land at some distance away from the existing ones and by naming these.

Charanjiv Singh, Chandigarh   

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Don’t burden owners of showrooms, booths

Vendors should be allocated space away from existing shops and corridors. The pavement and corridors in front of showrooms are already hard pressed for space required by shopkeepers for loading and unloading of goods received. Moreover, shopkeepers, who have paid crores to the Admnistration for purchasing showrooms and are also paying hefty property tax every year, should not be burdened with vendors selling similar products right in front of their establishments. Space is also required for display of products during the festive season, which is rented out by the Administration to shopkeepers, on payment of hefty fee running into thousands of rupees. Undoubtedly, vendors should be provided livelihood, but not at the cost of others bread and butter.

Gagandeep Singh, Chandigarh 

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Booth owners must not encroach upon corridors

Vendors, being citizens of the country have their constitutional right to earn their livelihood through fair and established norms. The MC, therefore, made a laudable move to allot them space in front of showrooms and booths, which for business reasons is being resentedby market welfare associations. Besides, squatting of vendors in front of showrooms will wane away the aesthetic ambience of market. Therefore, the authorities must carve specific vendor zone with kiosks in and around main market areas. Having addressed this issue the authorities must ensure that owners of showrooms/booths are not allowed to encroach upon any space in corridors.

SS Arora, Mohali

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Don’t sacrifice traders’ interest

Owners/occupiers of booths/showrooms pay huge amount/rent to carry out their business. How can a vendor dictate his/her terms for the site and size of stall. Now, under the garb of the Street Vendors Act the interest and rights of booth/showroom owners/occupiers should be sacrificed at the altar of the vote bank policies. The MC should not give any permanent site to vendors, but should arrange weekly markets in different parts of the city. And it should not be near the existing markets.

Ashutosh Vermani,   Chandigarh 

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Space can be provided near sectors

 It is a good initiative of the Chandigarh Muncipal Corporation to provide space to street vendors for protection of their livelihood. The place for vendors should be such that no one opposes their vending business and residents have no problem to reach there. Only limited/legal vendors may be allowed to do business to avoid nuisance. The space may be selected nearer to sectors inconsultation with sector residents’ welfare associations. A portion of the space for Kisan Mandis can be spared for the purpose.

RK Goyal, Chandigarh

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Demarcate space in every sector

The Street Vendor’s Act-2014 has provided for space and livelihood to vendors in various sectors. Now, the MC in consultation with the chief architect of the Administration should demarcate space in every sector as vending zone as has been done in big cities. This will certainly facilitate unhindered movement of shoppers through corridors of showrooms and shopping centres.

Harish Kapur, Chandigarh

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Adjust vendors outside city markets

Vendors should be adjusted on the space that is vacant outside markets as their business interests should not clash with that of traders. Besides, their presence in the market will definitely interfere with the traffic and parking, which will certainly annoy commuters.

Priya Darsh Growar, Mohali

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Penalise vendors for encroaching corridors

 All markets should be organised and clean. No one should encroach upon market space for any trading activity. Vendors should be allotted site away from regular markets. Only registered vendors should be allowed to do business. They should display there registration number. All market corridors should be clear for free movement of shoppers. Public should complain about any violation through WhatsApp. The Estate Office should take action on the basis of the plaint. Those encroaching corridors should be challaned and penalised. Unregistered vendors should be charged under the Public Nuisance Act Section 268, IPC.

SK Munshi, Chandigarh

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Keep Sector 17 out of vending zone

The decision of the Municipal Corporation to allot space for vendors within markets is correct, but Sector 17 must be kept outside the purview of the policy as it is the heart of the City Beautiful and mirrors the spirit of Chandigarh among visitors, including those from foreign countries. It should be developed as an ultramodern place and a tourist hub. A Tourist Reception Centre with latest infrastructure and staff must be functional to guide visitors at Sector 17. Vendors should be allotted space in other markets keeping in view that it is not detrimental to interests of traders, who have invested substantially in business. The number of vendors should also be restricted.

Zirakpur resident

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It will help increase vendors’ income

Street vendors should be allotted space within markets as they will be able to get more customers, which will help them increase their income. Traders are against it because they thinkit will hit their business. But, they should realise that with the arrival of street vendors in markets, there will be a healthy competition, which will be good for customers. Traders have no right to pocket the whole profit by themselves. Street vendors, too, are entitled to it.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Chandigarh 

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MC should keep check on vendors

Chandigarh is known as a well-planned city in which markets have wide pavements. As vendors use pavements it leads to congestion in markets. However, in some markets vendors need to be given space as they have to earn their livelihood. The authorities should regulate their number as excess of them will congest markets. They need not be totally debarred, but should be regulated. The MC should keep a regular check on vendors to ensure guidelines are followed strictly.

Anmol Kaur Mongia, Chandigarh

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City’s character will change

I’m strictly against the MC move for allotting space to vendors. Already the city has been encroached by vendors, mostly migrants, under the guise of the vending policy. It will rather aggravate the problem of encroachment and change character of the city. Vendors encroaching on government land then move on to claim permanent space. Thanks to local political leaders, whose greed for votes lets this happen. 

Ashish   Khera,  Chandigarh

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Chandigarh might lose smart city tag

All markets are choked with encroachments and allotment of space to vendors outside shops will add to the problem.  This will affect the business of shopkeepers adversely.  Even allotment of space at any place is not the solution as the number of vendors has already gone up manifold.  It might result in Chandigarh losing the smart city tag.

KC Rana,  Chandigarh

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Multi-storey vertical spaces can help

Saturation point of urbanisation, labour displacing technology, dearth of new industries and ever increasing population contributed to the growing jobless humans. All India Street Vendors Act was passed to accommodate people, who were forced to enter this trade. A well-intended act suffers at the hands of faulty administration (poor are made to suffer in name of heritage). Due to lack of and conflicting horizontal space, vendors should be accommodated vertically. Multistorey open spaces (instead of shops) in different parts of the city are the need of the hour.

Surbhi Sharma, Chandigarh

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Encroachments will become legal in city

 The MC’s decision of marking spaces for vendors in front of showrooms is objectionable. It will give legal sanction to encroachments on the public space. Moreover, it will create problems for shoppers coming to showrooms. The footpaths will be littered with all sorts of rubbish and give an ugly look to markets of the City Beautiful. The MC should drop this silly idea.

RK Kapoor, Chandigarh

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Convert green parks to allot space to vendors

The Chandigarh Administration plans to lease out pavements, meant for exclusive use by the public, to petty vendors. Sites of the SCFs/SCOs have been purchased by shopkeepers after paying crores of rupees. The front verandahs, which fall within the area of the SCFs/SCOs, have been constructed by shopkeepers, who have spent from their own pockets. It is limited to be used by the public. Earlier, pavement in front of shops was 20 feet, but after extending the parking area it has been reduced to six to seven feet. Verandahs will be crowded if vendors are made to sit spreading their wares in front of shops. It’ll obstruct clear view of shops. Also, these vendors will encroach upon the parking area too. The proposed new set up will adversely affect business of shopkeepers. Instead of rehabilitating vendors on market pavements, they should be allotted space by converting adjoining green parks.

Vinod Joshi, Chandigarh

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There will be too much commotion in markets

Chandigarh markets are already overcrowded. Allotting space to vendors in markets will create an ugly scene. There will be too much commotion. It is better to give vendors an open space where they can be comfortable and public is also at ease. The authorities concerned should plan a logical way out.

Opinder Kaur Sekhon, Chandigarh

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Many sectors facing agony due to vendors

It’s a fact that street vendors add to the originality of Chandigarh, but they have now crossed far beyond the limit in numbers, which has rather started giving an ugly look to the city aesthetics. Old Sectors like 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 28 and 35 are facing the agony of street vendors. It sometimes becomes difficult for pedestrians to walk freely in corridors of these markets. The MC authorities must prepare a master plan to rehabilitate vendors at earmarked places across the city by charging one time allotment fee. This willdiscourage unnecessary vendors and the ones, who want to do serious business, will be left to operate. Some vendors can be allotted specific places in sector markets to maintain their originality. Such steps will benefit the MC as it will create an additional source for its income. 

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

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Space must for vendors

If vendors have right to earn they should have space. Shopkeepers are not wrong to oppose it. Authorities should decide by taking into confidence traders as they fear that their business will suffer. It is a tricky situation for the authorities concerned. If space is allotted inside the market it will get crowded and inconvenience public. Therefore, space can be allotted outside markets. Once allotted, rules should be enforced strictly.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Chandigarh

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QUESTION

The Chandigarh Police have recently started arresting people for plying vehicles on cycle tracks under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act and Sections 279 and 336 of the IPC. Do you think that such strict action is justified? Or what other measures can be taken so that cycle tracks can be used only by cyclists and rickshaw-pullers. Send your suggestions in not more than 70 words at [email protected]