Mayor inspects site, questions viability of isolated vending zone
Chandigarh: Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi on Wednesday directed civic officials to undertake a fresh assessment of the street vending zone earmarked at Sectors 52-53, after finding the site largely surrounded by undeveloped land with little habitation or commercial activity nearby. The mayor said the location, as it stands, raises serious questions about whether vendors can secure the customer footfall necessary to sustain their livelihoods.
During a site inspection accompanied by Municipal Corporation Joint Commissioner Himanshu Gupta, the mayor observed that the designated vending area had no nearby houses, markets or regular pedestrian movement. He asked officials to explore alternative locations that would be more viable for vendors and also to examine interim arrangements for those currently affected while a permanent solution is worked out.
“The location raises questions about the viability of the site, as vendors depend on customer footfall for their livelihood. A vending zone cannot function in isolation,” Joshi said.
He added: “Merely earmarking a site for vendors will not serve its purpose unless it is accessible and has sufficient customer movement. Officials should undertake a fresh assessment of the Sector 52-53 vending arrangement and explore alternatives that could provide vendors with a more viable place to conduct business.”
What officials will now review
According to the mayor’s directions, the Municipal Corporation will take the matter to the General House so that councillors can consider a “fair, workable and sustainable arrangement.” The inspection and subsequent remarks followed complaints from street vendors who said they were unable to occupy the designated site because of its isolated location.
- Officials will reassess the earmarked site in Sectors 52-53 for accessibility and expected customer footfall.
- Interim arrangements for affected vendors are to be examined and proposed.
- The issue will be placed before the Municipal Corporation General House for consideration of long-term solutions balancing vendors’ livelihoods and public order.
Balancing livelihoods and civic concerns
Mayor Joshi emphasised that vending zones must balance multiple factors — including vendors’ livelihoods, cleanliness, accessibility, traffic management and orderly use of public spaces. He said the vendors’ concerns were genuine and deserved a practical solution, indicating the administration intends to work on both interim relief and a sustainable placement for the vending community.
The move comes amid wider efforts in Indian cities to regularise street vending while addressing urban planning, pedestrian access and sanitation. In Chandigarh’s case, the mayor’s intervention signals that the Municipal Corporation is prepared to revisit site choices where planned facilities do not meet the needs of the people they are intended to serve.
| Item | Observation / Direction |
|---|---|
| Site condition | Surrounded by undeveloped land; little habitation or commercial activity |
| Immediate concern | Low customer footfall; vendors unable to occupy site |
| Administrative action | Fresh assessment; explore alternatives; interim arrangements; take issue to General House |
The administration’s next steps will be watched closely by vendor associations and local residents. Any alternative proposed by the Municipal Corporation will have to contend with competing urban priorities such as traffic flow, hygiene and accessible public space, while ensuring vendors have sufficient customers to sustain their businesses.
Mayor Joshi said he would raise the matter in the General House so councillors could consider options that are equitable and practicable for all stakeholders. The timeline for the assessment and the nature of interim arrangements were not specified during the inspection.
