Street vendor menace
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Guwahati’s Beltola and Last Gate areas are grappling with severe traffic congestion and safety risks due to encroachments by street vendors and illegally parked vehicles. The roads are largely occupied by fruit sellers, food stalls, vegetable vendors, and clothes sellers, significantly reducing the available space for vehicles and pedestrians. Footpaths are also blocked, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road and adding to the chaos.
The situation worsens after 5:30 PM as the evening rush leads to increased roadside shopping, further clogging the already congested streets.
“In the stretch from Beltola to Lastgate, even the footpaths are blocked by food stalls and parked vehicles, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road and making the situation worse,” a resident told The Sentinel.
Another resident expressed strong dissatisfaction over the condition of the area. “Guwahati looks worst in some areas. Beltola is the biggest example. The entire road is covered with the market, and lately, the scene looks so dirty and smells worse. That road is no more a road for commuters,” he said.
At Last Gate, haphazard parking and unregulated stalls leave little room for vehicles to pass, resulting in frequent traffic jams.
Residents are urging the authorities to step in urgently, clear the footpaths, and regulate street vending activities to restore normalcy and ensure the safety and cleanliness of the area.
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