Panchkula Municipal Corporation Takes Strict Action Against Street Vendor Encroachments
The Panchkula Municipal Corporation has launched a significant crackdown on unauthorized street vending activities across the city. Following a comprehensive review of encroachment patterns, municipal authorities have identified three primary categories of violations that have been persistently disrupting public spaces and urban management.
Three Major Violations Identified by Municipal Authorities
After conducting thorough inspections and assessments, the corporation has documented three distinct types of violations that have become increasingly problematic in Panchkula's urban landscape.
First, registered vendors have been occupying vending areas that exceed their officially allotted spaces. These vendors have been installing additional tents and placing various items beyond their designated boundaries, which directly contravenes the provisions of the Street Vendors Act.
Second, both registered and unregistered vendors have been operating from non-vending areas throughout the city. This practice has led to significant encroachment in zones where street vending is strictly prohibited according to municipal regulations.
Third, some registered vendors who received official vending sites from the Municipal Corporation have failed to vacate their previous locations. Instead, they have allowed other individuals to occupy their newly allotted sites on a payment basis, creating a secondary market for vending spaces.
Municipal Commissioner Issues Stern Warning
Municipal Commissioner Vinay Kumar emphasized the seriousness of these violations during discussions with local media. "We have identified these three critical issues and our officials have already conducted meetings with the vendors, warning them to immediately cease these practices," stated Kumar.
The commissioner further explained the corporation's planned course of action: "Now, we will conduct another comprehensive review to identify all such problematic sites and vendors. Following this identification process, we will serve formal notices to those found violating the regulations."
Kumar made it clear that non-compliance would result in serious consequences: "If vendors do not correct their practices, we will remove them from non-vending sites. For any wrongful acts, registered vendors will face strict legal action, which could include suspension or complete removal of their vending licenses."
Current Situation and Security Concerns
At present, numerous public spaces including market corridors, pedestrian pavements, parking lots, and other open areas in Panchkula's major markets remain heavily encroached upon. Despite previous enforcement measures, these encroachments have consistently reappeared after temporary removals, creating a persistent urban management challenge.
The situation has raised security concerns among residents, particularly in light of recent security alerts and incidents across the country. While police and security agencies maintain vigilance at strategic locations, the presence of unidentified and unauthorized street vendors could potentially create vulnerabilities in the city's security framework.
Call for Systematic Vendor Management
RP Malhotra, President of the Federation of Residents' Associations (FORA), has proposed specific measures to address these challenges systematically. "The Municipal Corporation should issue proper identity cards to all vendors and allocate token number metal plates that must be prominently displayed on their rehris," suggested Malhotra.
He further highlighted additional concerns: "A significant number of street vendors operate without proper checks across Panchkula's busy areas, often using unregistered and improvised vehicles including motorized carts, tractor trolleys, and even horse carts. Many vending sites originally allotted have changed hands, with the current occupants remaining unverified."
Malhotra recommended a comprehensive verification process: "The Municipal Corporation should conduct fresh, regular exercises to verify the identity of all vendors and allottees of vending sites. This systematic approach would help establish proper accountability and regulation."
The municipal corporation's renewed focus on street vendor regulation represents a significant effort to restore order to Panchkula's public spaces while balancing the needs of legitimate vendors with urban management requirements and security considerations.
