Illegal traders usurping biz: Koyambedu vendors

CHENNAI: The Koyambedu wholesale market is the place of a ‘trade conflict’ with licensed shopkeepers opposing the setting up of over 300 illegal shops. The latter were set up by those who had lost their means of income during the pandemic.

The licensed shopkeepers alleged that they were losing out their sales to the temporary ones who, in turn, took a lot of space as well. Then market management committee also trying to address the issue.

“When these vendors sell vegetables on the market road, it leads to a space crunch. Also, their business has been impacted as the public doesn’t go inside the market. During the pandemic, the officials had allowed 20 vendors to set up shops. But there are 300 of them now,” said S Muthukumar, president, Koyambedu Semi-wholesalers Welfare Association.

Both the wholesale and retail traders are frustrated because they have to pay shop rent and tax at the market, whereas these unlicensed vendors have occupied the space causing them trouble. Multiple complaints have been registered with the authorities seeking action.

“Apart from the encroachments, we have spotted these vendors engaging in illegal activities like drinking and use of ganja. They also throw the used alcohol bottles, making the place filthy. No action has been taken on this yet,” said Babu R, a retail vendor at Koyambedu vegetable market.

Shopkeepers said the removal of these encroachments would lead to the opening up of more space. They alleged that the encroachers seldom followed COVID protocols and it could easily become a hotspot.

Speaking to DT Next, S Shanthi, chief administration officer, Market Management Committee, said, “These vendors’ situation is pathetic after that pandemic. Steps are being taken to clear the encroachments.”