The Sitabuldi Merchants’ Association has demanded that Sitabuldi Main Road be declared a complete no-hawking zone, after hawkers – both licensed and illegal – returned to the busy commercial stretch despite earlier eviction drives.
On 21 February 2024, the Town Vending Committee (TVC) had declared the road a no-hawking zone. Acting on the decision, the administration had cleared 78 licensed hawkers and more than 600 illegal vendors. To protect the rights of licensed hawkers, the civic body allotted them an alternative space at Maharajbagh DP Road, adjacent to the bus stop, considered a customer-friendly location.
For nearly four months, traders and customers enjoyed relief from congestion. But in recent weeks, hawkers have gradually returned to the main road, violating TVC orders. According to the merchants, the comeback has again led to traffic jams, overcrowding, and chaos in Nagpur’s prime market area.
In a memorandum to municipal commissioner Dr. Abhijeet Chaudhari, association leaders said the move was not intended to “snatch anyone’s livelihood.” Secretary Hussain Ajani clarified that hawkers were given a fair alternative and could attract customers there if they shifted permanently. “Instead of accepting the arrangement, some hawkers are insisting on returning to Sitabuldi Road, disturbing order,” he said.
The association has now urged the administration to strictly enforce the TVC’s decision and ensure Sitabuldi Main Road remains hawker-free, for the convenience of both traders and shoppers.
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