The Chandigarh Beopar Mandal (CBM) has strongly opposed the Municipal Corporation's proposal to create new vendor zones within city markets, arguing that the move will exacerbate existing congestion and parking problems. In a letter to the Municipal Commissioner, CBM president Sanjeev Chadha and chairman Charanjiv Singh expressed their concerns, noting that MC officials have already visited proposed sites to finalise the zones.
Markets Already Strained
The CBM, representing the city's traders, highlighted that markets are already congested, parking is inadequate, and sanitation remains a major issue. They pointed out that many existing street vendors have already been rehabilitated in mini-booth markets, which themselves lack sufficient parking and public amenities. The body urged the MC to first fully utilise and allot existing vendor zones to eligible vendors before creating new ones.
Specific Objections Raised
Chadha stated that the CBM has serious objections to the proposed zones in Sectors 11-D, 18-D, 20-C, 24-D, 32-D, 34, 37-D, 40-D, 41-D, 42-C, and 44-C, as these markets are already facing severe congestion. Charanjiv Singh emphasised that suitable spaces outside the markets should be earmarked for vendors to prevent further congestion and avoid inconvenience to both traders and visitors. The CBM's stance reflects a broader concern about urban planning and the balance between accommodating street vendors and maintaining market functionality.
Call for Better Planning
The traders' association is calling for a more systematic approach to vendor rehabilitation, prioritising existing infrastructure before expanding into new areas. They argue that without addressing underlying issues like parking and sanitation, new vendor zones will only compound the problems. The MC has yet to respond to the CBM's objections, but the proposal remains under review.
