Street Vendors Demand Justice After Eviction Notice in Ward 20
Key Points:
- Street vendors protest against eviction notice in Adityapur
- Municipal corporation removed encroachments, vendors face livelihood crisis
- Vendors accuse authorities of selective action and negligence
ADITYAPUR – Anger erupted among street vendors in Adityapur Ward 20 as they protested against the municipal corporation’s eviction drive. Hundreds of men, women, and even children took to the streets and demonstrated near the corporation office on Monday.
The protest comes after the municipal corporation issued an ultimatum via public announcements to remove roadside shops. Five days earlier, an anti-encroachment drive was conducted from Sher-e-Punjab to Adityapur police station to clear traffic congestion on the main road.
Vendors Speak on Livelihood Crisis
The vendors expressed distress over losing their only means of income. Affected shopkeepers said that in 2021, the municipal corporation issued vendor cards but failed to implement any supporting measures. “Our families depend on this shop for survival. If removed, we won’t have food to eat or money for medicines,” said one protester.
Women participants shared concerns about their children’s upbringing, highlighting the struggles they would face without their livelihoods. “This eviction is pushing us towards starvation and mental stress,” a shopkeeper added.
Accusations of Negligence and Selective Action
Vendors also criticized the municipal corporation and local government. They accused authorities of favoring large encroachments while targeting smaller shops. “For 40 years, we have been running these businesses. We even pay taxes and are ready to comply with regulations. Yet, no alternatives are offered,” a vendor remarked.
Furthermore, they alleged that politicians only appear during elections to promise support but ignore their pleas during hardships. The vendors demanded a fair solution, requesting defined fees or relocation opportunities.
Growing Tensions
The protestors argued that the eviction drive lacked fairness, as significant encroachments in industrial areas remain untouched. They have vowed to intensify their protests unless the corporation addresses their grievances.
