Vending zone project remains stalled in Amritsar
Despite the Supreme Court guidelines and recommendations of Street Vendors Act, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Amritsar has failed to establish vending zones, perpetuating traffic bottlenecks and congestion in the city. In 2020, MC officials identified 20 locations for vending zones, but the project remains stalled. The attempt by estate wing of the MC to shift vendors to a designated area near the bus stand failed due to resistance from vendors and intervention by local politicians two years back. Till now, the MC has never made any effort to implement the street vending zone project in other areas of the city.
The MC had hired a company to survey vendors and issue smart cards, but all efforts went in vain as officials were reluctant to remove the vendors from roads and shift them to vending zones. As per Supreme Court guidelines, vendors cannot be removed from roadsides without providing alternative space. The MC had identified the space but was not able to implement the project. The absence of vending zones forces vendors to occupy roadsides, markets and narrow streets, exacerbating traffic chaos. MC officials acknowledge vending zones as a solution to traffic woes, but inaction prevails.
The failure to establish vending zones has not only led to traffic congestion but also encouraged encroachment leading to frustration among residents and activists.
Charanjit Singh Gumtala of Amritsar Vikas Manch criticised the MC inaction, stating, “We’ve heard about vending zones for years, but the MC hasn’t made a concrete effort. Local politicians back encroachment by vendors. The government must set a timeline to implement its plans.”
The city awaits effective implementation of the vending-zone plan to alleviate traffic chaos and ensure a more organised and livable urban environment.
