Hubballi's Road Development Schemes Backfire as Illegal Vending Zones Multiply
Hubballi is witnessing a concerning surge in unauthorized commercial activities along its recently upgraded road infrastructure, with illegal petty shops and makeshift pushcarts selling vegetables and fruits proliferating at alarming rates. What were intended to be safe, smooth commuting corridors under various government development schemes are transforming into congested, hazardous stretches as unregulated vendors occupy footpaths, road margins, and even portions of the carriageway itself.
Residents Point to Municipal Negligence and Weak Enforcement
Local residents and daily commuters are attributing this troubling trend to what they describe as continued negligence by Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) officials. They allege systemic failure in enforcing rules against encroachment and unauthorized vending, with the problem becoming particularly pronounced in recent months. Vendors appear to be deliberately targeting newly laid roads for their better visibility, higher traffic flow, and easier customer access.
Multiple Safety and Sanitation Hazards Emerge
The consequences of this unchecked expansion are multifaceted and severe:
- Pedestrian Safety Compromised: With footpaths completely blocked, pedestrians are forced to walk on the road, significantly increasing accident risks.
- Traffic Bottlenecks Created: Two-wheelers and cars must slow abruptly near vending clusters, causing dangerous bottlenecks and frequent near-miss incidents.
- Sanitation Crisis Worsens: Waste accumulation including vegetable peels, plastic covers, and discarded cartons is piling up, deteriorating urban cleanliness and attracting stray animals.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Cosmetic Enforcement
Ramakrishna, a resident of Gokul Road, expressed deep frustration with what he called "sporadic and largely cosmetic" enforcement drives. He noted that vendors typically return to the same spots within hours of any removal action. "The lack of sustained action, clear demarcation, and consistent monitoring has emboldened encroachers and encouraged more vendors to occupy public spaces," he stated.
Manjunath from Navanagar urged HDMC to implement immediate measures including:
- Regular inspections of vulnerable areas
- Seizure of unauthorized structures and equipment
- Substantial fines for violators
- Removal of repeat offenders from public spaces
Affected Areas Span Across Hubballi
The problem has spread across numerous key locations including:
- Gokul Road and Dajibanpeth
- Janata Bazar and Koppikar Road
- Coen Road and Maratha Galli
- Durgadbail and Station Road
- Sarvodaya Circle to Bengeri Cross
- PB Road, Vidyanagar, and Shirur Park Road
The illegal traders include pan-beeda shops, vegetable and fruit vendors, and eateries operating from pushcarts, with similar issues reported on additional roads throughout the city.
Residents Demand Balanced, Practical Solutions
Beyond enforcement, residents are calling for a more comprehensive approach that balances livelihood concerns with public order. They want HDMC to:
- Identify and establish legal vending zones with proper facilities
- Provide basic amenities in designated vending areas
- Strictly prevent vending on newly developed roads, junctions, and high-traffic corridors
- Create a sustainable system that addresses both economic needs and urban management
Municipal Response and Official Statements
The issue gained official attention when Mayor Jyoti Patil ordered HDMC officials to take stern action against encroachment on roadsides and footpaths after receiving numerous complaints during a phone-in program. HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali responded by stating that action had already been initiated in Dharwad and other areas, with special drives planned to completely curb the practice soon.
However, residents remain skeptical about whether these promises will translate into sustained, effective action that addresses the root causes of Hubballi's growing encroachment crisis.
