TNR Desk
SHIMLA: In the wake of growing communal unrest following the Sanjauli mosque incident, the Himachal Pradesh government is set to crack down on unregulated street vending across the state. The government has decided to strictly implement the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, which has largely been ignored in recent years.
Street vendors, often setting up their stalls wherever they wish, have long been a problem in key urban areas, especially in Shimla, where the situation has escalated. The move is aimed at streamlining their operations by designating specific vending zones, thus preventing the clogging of streets and other public spaces.
Shimla first city to implement Act
Despite being the first city in the country to implement the Act, Shimla’s Municipal Corporation failed to maintain the momentum after the CPI(M)-led government was ousted in 2017. The Act, introduced in 2016-17 under the leadership of then Mayor Sanjay Chauhan, designated spots for over 1,500 street vendors. However, this initiative was shelved after the change in power, resulting in a rise in street vendors and an increase in congestion across the city.
In light of the recent Sanjauli flare-up, which exposed growing tensions in public spaces, the government has renewed its focus on enforcing the Street Vendor Act across the state. Senior officials have confirmed that vending zones will be established in all major municipal areas, including Shimla, Dharamshala, Solan, Mandi and Palampur.
Complete ban to be imposed
A complete ban on street vendors, known as “tehbazaaris”, sitting in front of shops will be enforced. Violators operating in no-vending zones will face strict action. Facilities will be provided in the newly notified vending zones to ensure that vendors operate within the legal framework. The government plans to form a Street Vending Committee, which will be tasked with formulating policies for better regulation. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has expressed his commitment to resolving the issue, highlighting its importance during a recent all-party meeting.
The problem of unregulated vendors extends beyond Shimla to other district headquarters in Himachal Pradesh. Local shop owners have been illegally charging vendors for space in front of their shops, leading to further congestion in already narrow market lanes.
