Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Harish Rawat, took a strong stand on Friday by staging a sit-in protest at the Shaheed Sthal in Mussoorie. His demonstration centered on the contentious issue of relocating street vendors from the iconic Mall Road, a popular tourist promenade.
Demands for Livelihood Protection
Rawat's primary demand was clear: the livelihoods of the street vendors must not be put at risk. He argued that if the vendors are to be moved, their new location must be a place with significant tourist footfall to ensure their businesses can survive and thrive. The former CM warned that if vendors are removed forcibly, it would lead to escalated protests. He indicated that future forms of agitation could include hunger strikes, roadblocks, and even courting arrest.
Questioning Past Decisions
Rawat pointed to a previous plan that he claims has been sidelined. "In the past, it was decided to relocate the street vendors opposite the terminus of the Purkul-Mussoorie ropeway," he stated. He further explained that a decision had been taken to construct a one-story building at that site to accommodate all vendors. Expressing his frustration, Rawat said, "I fail to understand why that is not being done."
Administration's Stance and Deadline
On the other side, the Mussoorie Municipal Council and the district administration maintain that they are acting in accordance with the Street Vendors Act, 2014. The process of verifying the vendors has reportedly been completed. The authorities have stated that vendors are being allotted space in identified vending zones across the town as part of a rehabilitation drive.
Despite the protests, the administration has set a firm deadline. They have announced that Mall Road will be made completely vendor-free starting December 20. This move aims to decongest the area but has sparked a debate about balancing urban management with the rights of small-scale entrepreneurs.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The standoff highlights a classic urban challenge: managing public spaces while safeguarding informal economies. Rawat's protest has brought significant political attention to the issue, setting the stage for potential confrontations if a mutually agreeable solution is not found before the December 20 deadline. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the vendors receive a relocation site that ensures their economic sustainability, as demanded by the former Chief Minister.
