Surat grapples with encroachments

Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) faces a persistent challenge – clearing encroachments from designated "noencroachment zones" across the city. Despite efforts, only half of the 118 zones remain encroachment-free. While demands to expand "no-hawking zones" grow, the SMC has struggled to fully address existing congestion on these limited stretches.

In a bid to tackle the issue, the SMC has planned to establish designated vending markets across the city. The idea is to relocate street vendors to these markets, freeing up public spaces.

"For many years, plans for a vending market existed only on paper," said a spokesperson for the SMC. "Now, we're moving forward with a new policy to establish vending markets in all zones, with a focus on this initiative."

However, the initial rollout is set to be temporary. "One vending market will be provided in each zone on a purely temporary basis," clarified the SMC officer. "A pilot project will commence after the Lok Sabha elections."

The SMC has also prioritised women vendors, with preparations underway for a dedicated "Women Vendors Market" near the Pal RTO office.

"A new policy will be formulated to allocate space to vendors relocated from encroachment zones," explained the officer. "The municipal plot near the RTO office has been allotted to women vendors for a temporary period of three months. They can set up food and beverage stalls at a nominal rent."

The urgency to accommodate more vendors has been evident. "Over the last few days, JCBs, tractors, and other vehicles from the Rander zone of the SMC have been working on leveling the space near the Pal RTO. This intensified activity suggests the market might accommodate more women vendors soon," concluded the spokesperson.