Staff reporter
Guwahati: The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) continues to grapple with the recurring problem of unauthorized street vendors reoccupying footpaths and roadside areas, despite multiple eviction drives. Key commercial hubs such as Ganeshguri, Beltola, and Bhangagarh remain the worst affected, where encroachments have led to significant disruptions in pedestrian and vehicular movement.
In Ganeshguri and Beltola, footpaths have once again been taken over by makeshift stalls, pushing pedestrians onto the roads and increasing the risk of accidents. Bhangagarh tells a similar story, with vendors swiftly returning after each clearance operation.
“We have carried out several eviction drives in recent months, but vendors return within days,” a GMC official admitted. “It’s a tough situation—while we recognize their need to earn a livelihood, public safety cannot be compromised.”
As part of its intensified crackdown, the GMC has launched a renewed eviction campaign targeting repeat offenders. Vendors failing to comply are either fined Rs 10,000 or have their stalls seized. “We’ve seen some improvement in Bhangagarh. GS Road is our next target,” the official added.
Despite these efforts, residents are growing increasingly frustrated over the absence of a long-term solution. “It’s unsafe to walk on the road, especially during peak hours, but the footpaths are completely occupied,” said a commuter at Ganeshguri. Another resident pointed out that vendor encroachments significantly narrow the roads, leading to congestion and safety hazards.
While the GMC’s actions provide temporary respite, the persistence of the problem points to a need for a more sustainable and inclusive policy—one that protects both the rights of pedestrians and the livelihoods of vendors. So far, the corporation has not announced any permanent measures to resolve the issue.
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