Demarcation of vending zones demanded by kiosk owners in Berhampur city

BERHAMPUR: The city is yet to have demarcations for vending zones. Without proper vending zones, encroachment of roads and traffic problems are on the rise. The small traders who depend on road side business are also demanding establishment of vending zones as they are facing losses because of the sudden anti-encroachment drives by the authorities. Bhaskar Lenka, a tea stall owner whose kiosk was destroyed in a recent anti-encroachment drive from the sides of the NH 217 between Kamapalli square and Engineering School square alleged that neither the Berhampur municipal corporation nor the Berhampur Development Authority had thought of establishment of any vending zone which could save the livelihood of poor traders like him.

The promises for establishment of vending zones have been on since 2004-05, when encroachments by small traders were removed from the sides of the NH 217. As no vending zones were established, the traders whose encroachments had been removed again returned to their old place. Another trader, M.K.Reddy who lost his kiosk in recent anti-encroachment drive said regular anti-encroachment drives and his restarting of business has destroyed his economic condition. According to him the municipal corporation has some responsibility towards them as it was collecting five rupees cess from them every day.

In Gate Bazar area the encroachments had been removed from one side of the National Highway 217. But the same shops have come up on other side of the high way. The irony is that a major portion of the highway near this market is being used as garbage dump yard by the municipal corporation. This market and its vendors have been a major cause of traffic congestion in the area.

It is an irony that the vendors of Gate Bazar area are ready for displacement if they are provided a proper vending zone. But the authorities have not been able to provide them an alternate vending site. The former Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Satyabrata Sahu had proposed the vegetable market at Gate Bazar to be shifted to an alternate site. It may be noted that the vegetable vendors of the area have in the past had also submitted memorandum for the purpose.

Source: The Hindu