Bengaluru: Gandhi Bazaar vendors must operate only in designated zones
- BBMP has designated specific vending zones at Gandhi Bazaar, Bengaluru.
- The move aims to decongest the area and regulate street vending.
- Vendors have expressed mixed reactions, with some welcoming the order and others citing loss of business.
- The new rules come into effect immediately, with enforcement by civic authorities.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has issued a new order for street vendors at the iconic Gandhi Bazaar. From now on, vendors can only operate in designated spaces within the market area. The decision aims to tackle the growing congestion that has plagued this busy shopping hub.
New Zones for Vendors
Civic authorities have identified specific locations within Gandhi Bazaar where vendors can set up shop. These zones have been marked to ensure pedestrian movement and vehicular traffic are not obstructed. The BBMP has also issued identity cards to verified vendors, linking them to their allotted spots.
Officials said the move follows repeated complaints from local residents and shop owners. The unregulated spread of makeshift stalls had made the footpaths nearly unusable during peak hours. The new system, they argue, will bring order to the chaos.
Mixed Reactions from Traders
The response from street vendors has been divided. Some have welcomed the clarity, saying a fixed spot means no more daily fights over space. Others, however, are worried about losing their regular customers who are used to finding them in a particular corner.
“I have been selling flowers at the same spot for 15 years. My regulars know where to find me. Moving me to a new location will hurt my business,” said a vendor who did not wish to be named. The BBMP has assured that the relocation process will be done in a transparent manner.
Enforcement and Penalties
The BBMP has warned of strict action against vendors who operate outside the designated zones. Fines and confiscation of goods are among the penalties listed. A team of marshals has been deployed to monitor the area and ensure compliance.
The new rules are effective immediately. The civic body has given vendors a week to shift to their allotted spaces. After that, enforcement will begin in full force.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of vendors affected by this order. Estimates suggest that over 200 street vendors operate in the Gandhi Bazaar area on a daily basis.
What Happens Next
The BBMP plans to review the implementation after a month. If the model succeeds, it may be replicated in other congested markets across Bengaluru. All eyes will be on Gandhi Bazaar to see if this experiment in regulated vending can strike a balance between commerce and public space.