Upcoming street vending zone may hit roadblock after social activists raise objections to its location

The Municipal Corporation’s plan to establish a vending zone near Chand Cinema may hit a roadblock after social activists raised objections, claiming the proposed site falls within a designated green belt.

The zone is expected to accommodate 112 street vendors, many of whom have been waiting for a legal space to operate following repeated anti-encroachment drives against them.

Environmental activist Kapil Arora has objected to the move, stating: “No activity can be carried out on a green belt. It’s a complete violation and we have submitted a complaint to the MC. The activists are now preparing to approach the National Green Tribunal (NGT), citing potential breaches of the environmental norms and previous NGT orders that prohibit commercial activity in green zones.”

In response, MC officials argued that the site had housed a municipal store for long and they were merely repurposing the space. The building branch had been directed to verify land records and submit a report. However, lack of consensus had reignited concerns over city’s shrinking green spaces and the need for sustainable urban planning.

“The building branch has been directed to verify the land records and we are expecting a report soon. Once we receive it, a final decision will be taken regarding the vending zone,” said a senior MC official on condition of anonymity.

Street vendors already displaced from earlier proposed sites such as Hambran Road remain in limbo.

“We have been waiting for a legal space to work from. Every time a site is proposed, the process gets stuck,” said a vendor, reflecting the growing frustration among the community.

With Ludhiana’s vending zone plans now entangled in environmental red tape, the wait for a permanent solution continues. The NGT has previously summoned the MC officials over similar green belt encroachments, underscoring the seriousness of such violations.