GMC mulls ways to balance vendor livelihood & public space

Guwahati: Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) is attempting to balance the rights of street vendors to earn a livelihood with citizens' rights to use public spaces and footpaths. Despite the Gauhati high court's intervention, the issue remains unresolved.
GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania said although designated locations for street vendors have been chosen, space constraints remain a challenge. The town vending committee (TVC) is exploring alternative solutions, including constructing market buildings. However, no final decision has been made yet. "We will look into the matter only after Feb, as we are busy with the upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 event," Sarania said.
A GMC official said the 2022 survey to identify designated spots was not conducted properly. Additionally, the ease of accessing loans under the PM Swanidhi scheme has encouraged more vendors to migrate to the city, contributing to the rising number of street vendors.
Altogether, 81 vending zones were identified, and the GMC reports that over 7,000 street vendors have been registered across the city. However, the actual number is much higher, and no accurate count is available.
Currently, the sidewalks of key areas such as Bhangagarh, Beltola, Sarabbati, and Kalapahar have been encroached upon by street vendors, hindering the movement of people and vehicles.
Achyut Baishya, principal-cum-chief superintendent of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), said the problem persists despite informing the Kamrup (Metropolitan) deputy commissioner and the police.
"Presence of street vendors leads to severe congestion, making it challenging for ambulances to navigate the roads smoothly, significantly delaying emergency response times and posing a serious risk to patients in critical condition. On average, the hospital attends to over 1,000 patients daily, with approximately 300 requiring urgent medical attention. Additionally, the vendors contribute to poor sanitation by littering the area, further compromising public health and hygiene," he said.
Mayur Das, a resident of Barasapara, said street vendors have occupied the middle of the road where the new 2.84 km flyover connecting Birubari to Lalganesh is being constructed. "Movement has become hellish on that road, as both fish and vegetable sellers have occupied the roads and pavements. Many by-lanes connect to the main road, and people cannot take out their vehicles as the roads are blocked," Das said.