Adityapur Municipal Corporation to revives Rs 4.49 crore vending zone

Jamshedpur, Dec 14: Efforts are underway to revive the long-delayed vending zone project in Adityapur under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM). This initiative aims to address encroachment issues and provide employment opportunities for street vendors. Six years after the initial surveys and vendor identification, the Adityapur Municipal Corporation has reactivated plans to construct three vending zones at an estimated cost of Rs 4.49 crore. The proposed locations include Dindali Bazaar with a budget of Rs 3.08 crore, Ashiana Mor at Rs 80.37 lakh, and Chuna Bhatta at Rs 60.66 lakh. Technical feedback has been sought from the Chief Engineer to ensure smooth execution of the project. Municipal Corporation officials have emphasized the importance of organizing street vendors systematically by providing them dedicated spaces. An official stated that this initiative will bring order to the streets of Adityapur, benefiting both vendors and the general public. The vending zones aim to create a structured environment for businesses to flourish.

In addition to the vending zones, the corporation plans to establish a food market, popularly known as “Khau Gali,” in Adityapur. This market will feature popular street food items like golgappas, momos, chaat, samosas, dosas, and idlis. Vendors will operate from designated handcarts, ensuring cleanliness and convenience for customers. A corporation spokesperson highlighted the significance of this market, stating that it will not only support local vendors but also provide a vibrant and hygienic environment for residents to enjoy their favourite dishes. The food market is expected to boost the local economy while organizing street food businesses scattered across the city.

The Adityapur Municipal Corporation has identified three sites for the establishment of modern street vending zones to support registered street vendors. These zones will feature small shops equipped with modern facilities, aimed at improving the working conditions for vendors in the region. To implement this initiative, the Corporation has sought technical approval for the construction of the vending zones under a plan sanctioned by the 14th Finance Commission. Executive Engineer Pankaj Jha confirmed that a request has been sent to the Chief Engineer of the Urban Development and Housing Department for technical approval. Jha stated that once approval is granted, the tender process will begin, paving the way for the project to be implemented on the ground.

The Corporation has proposed three specific locations for the vending markets. The first market is planned near Ashiana Mor, the second near Dindali Basti, and the third near the Lime Kiln Settlement. These sites have been chosen to address the needs of street vendors while ensuring easy accessibility for the residents of Adityapur. The vending zones are expected to provide a more organized and efficient space for vendors to conduct their business, enhancing their livelihoods and contributing to the local economy.

Addressing a related dispute over toll collection in the Adityapur Dindali market, Market Master Manoj Paswan explained that the toll collected from the haat market is directed to the government through the Agricultural Market Production Committee. He stated that this process is essential for managing the market operations. Paswan highlighted the challenges faced by vendors, particularly Dalits and tribal sellers who bring vegetables from rural areas and operate by laying sacks on roadsides to sell their produce. He clarified that the toll collection is done as per the committee’s mandate and added that any objections regarding this matter should be supported by valid government orders. Furthermore, he emphasized that action against illegal structures rented out in the market is justified.

This initiative by the Adityapur Municipal Corporation is expected to streamline street vending operations, provide better facilities for vendors, and ensure smoother market management, benefitting both the vendors and the local community.