Haryana's Rohtak civic body plans to double vending zones, targets 20 sites

The municipal corporation (MC) authorities have chalked out a plan to expand vending zones across the city with the aim of ensuring wider coverage and bringing all street vendors under the policy framework. Officials have initiated the process of identifying additional sites for developing new vending zones.

“At present, 10 vending zones have been identified and the process of developing these is underway. These are located in Sector 2–3 market, Day Care Sector 2, Weekly Market (one and two) in Sector 2, New Bus Stand, Old ITI (one and two), near Old Bus Stand, Gandhi Camp and Shivaji Colony. Eight zones will be under HSVP, while two will be operated by the MC,” said Sandeep Batra, City Project Officer at the MC.

He said a provision of Rs 1 crore was allocated in the municipal corporation’s budget for financial year 2026–27. “Since the existing zones do not cover the entire city, hence our higher authorities have planned to increase the number to at least 20, with a team already working to identify 10 more suitable sites,” he added.

Batra said basic facilities such as parking, water, lighting, and toilets would be provided at the vending zone, along with sheds to protect vendors from weather conditions. Only registered and licensed vendors will be allotted space.

“There are around 5,000 street vendors in the MC area, of whom nearly 3,500 are local residents, while about 1,500 are migrants. A special campaign is at present underway to encourage vendors to register so they can avail themselves of government schemes. So far, 3,240 vendors have been registered. Those who are registered are eligible for interest-free loans under a government scheme,” said he.

Meanwhile, Municipal Commissioner Dr Anand Kumar Sharma said another purpose of the special drive was to promote organised and smooth urban livelihoods in the city and to ensure the protection of rights of street vendors and hawkers.

“The area around Mahavir Park has been identified for the campaign, where a large number of street vendors and hawkers remain present. During the campaign, officials directly interact with vendors and inform them in detail about the importance of obtaining a valid licence for their business,” he added.

The Commissioner further explained that a street vending licence not only provided legal recognition to their livelihood but also helped them avail various facilities and schemes offered by the MC. It also protects licenced vendors from unnecessary action or disruption.

Sharma said the vendors must visit the MC office with required documents such as identity proof, residence proof and other necessary papers to complete the licencing process in a timely manner. “Our objective is not to trouble the vendors but to provide them with an organised and secure business environment, for which their cooperation is essential,” the commissioner added.