The Town Vending Committee (TVC) of Chandigarh has resolved to conduct a comprehensive feasibility assessment of all vending sites across the city, including model vending zones, to streamline street vending operations in line with legal mandates.
Joint Committee to Oversee Site Evaluation
A joint committee comprising representatives of street vendors, market associations, the Architecture Department, the Municipal Corporation (MC), and elected TVC members will be constituted. This committee will examine every site for feasibility before further development and allotments proceed, ensuring that only viable locations are used for vending activities.
Meeting Highlights Key Decisions
The TVC met on Friday under the chairmanship of MC Commissioner Amit Kumar to deliberate on key issues concerning the welfare, regulation, and management of street vendors. MC officials and representatives of traders’ associations attended the meeting. Detailed discussions were held on several agenda items aimed at strengthening Chandigarh’s street vending ecosystem in accordance with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act and directions of the Supreme Court regarding essential service providers.
Supreme Court Compliance and Vendor Reallocation
To comply with the Supreme Court’s orders for vendors who have become non-essential service providers, the TVC resolved that such vendors must return to their originally allotted sites if those sites have not been re-allotted. Remaining eligible vendors will be allotted new vending sites through a transparent draw of lots scheduled for July 18 at 11 am at the MC office in Sector 17.
Infrastructure Upgrades Mandated
Emphasizing the need for better infrastructure, the committee directed that all vending zones be equipped with essential public amenities within a stipulated timeframe. These include adequate lighting, safe drinking water, public toilets, and CCTV surveillance. Sites must also be properly demarcated. MC Commissioner Amit Kumar warned that any undue delay in providing these facilities would invite action against the concerned civic body official.
Public Awareness and Signage
To improve public awareness and accessibility, the committee decided to install prominent directional signboards indicating the locations of vending zones. The locations will also be widely publicized through various media platforms to facilitate easy access for residents and visitors.
