STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: In a significant move, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has cleared over 100 food stalls, including the popular “Khau Gali,” from the Dighalipukhuri area on Wednesday. This eviction is a part of a beautification drive initiated by the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) to restore the heritage value of the historic site.
The eviction followed a directive from the Secretary to the Tourism Department, who raised concerns over the impact of street vendors on the aesthetic and historical significance of Dighalipukhuri. The secretary highlighted that the makeshift stalls contributed to pollution and traffic congestion, undermining the sanctity of the pond.
As a part of the beautification project, the ATDC plans to enhance the boundary walls of Dighalipukhuri under the North Eastern Council (NEC) project. However, the presence of vendors posed challenges to the smooth execution of the initiative.
While the drive has garnered support for prioritizing heritage preservation, it has sparked concern over its impact on the livelihoods of the evicted vendors. The closure of Khau Gali, a vibrant hub for food culture, has left many vendors in limbo. A GMC official stated, “The shops in Khau Gali did not comply with GMC guidelines. They were notified almost two months ago to maintain cleanliness and avoid harming the environment. They had promised not to use plastics, to use dustbins, and to keep the area clean. However, their failure to adhere to these rules has led to today’s eviction. Shops will no longer be allowed here. Let them operate in one of the 52 designated vending zones approved by GMC.”
A vendor from Khau Gali, who became jobless overnight, expressed his frustration, saying, “The government, which claims to represent the indigenous people, is evicting the indigenous themselves. The business in charge of Guwahati does not understand the struggles of Assamese natives. They keep accusing us of encroachment, but we have not encroached. We are simply asking for a designated space, like in Delhi or Mumbai, where we can sell Assamese food. But today, I feel ashamed to call myself indigenous.”
The eviction drive has put the livelihoods of many youths at risk, who earned their income by selling various foods, tea, coffee, and fruit juices. For many, setting up a small stall in Khau Gali was their way of supporting their families. However, the sudden decision by the GMC seems to have brought the lives of these hard-working individuals to a standstill.
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