Steps have been taken to relocate the evicted street vendors of Dharmanagar, said Chief Executive Officer of Dharmanagar Municipal Council on Wednesday.

 

Tension ran high in Dharmanagar on December 27 after street vendors were evicted from the premises of Shivbari Road, Babur Bazar, Electric Office and on the bridge over the Juri River.  

 

While some of the Political parties are trying to capitalize the situation, the CMO of the Dharmanagar Municipal Council told the media, administration served the notices to street vendors on January 2021 to vacate the places – however, no effective steps could have been initiated as the Municipal Council remained silent.

 

After the new Municipal Council was formed recently, another notice was served to the street vendors on December 26 next.  Accordingly, administration took the step against them triggering resentment among the vendors.

 

During the eviction, it was mentioned that 50 vendors would be relocated on the eastern side of the Dharmanagar Bazar while remaining vendors would be accommodated at the Town Hall ground as an alternative arrangement. Even after this, if some of the vendors are left out, they would also be relocated.

 

However, street vendors did not pay any heed to the assurance of relocation given by the administration – they started an agitation on December 27 last. Even as the DM and SDM advised the vendors to meet them over a representation – the vendors did not follow the advice.

 

According to sources, there were 38 fish sellers, seven meat sellers, three dry fish sellers and 22 vegetable sellers along the Shivbari Road. At the Babur Bazar, there were 11 fish sellers, six meat sellers, one dry fish seller and 29 vegetable sellers.

 

It is reported some of the vendors hail from Assam. In this connection, the CEO said relocation for every vendor will be done in pursuance of the ‘Vocal for local’ vision. He reiterated the eviction drive was necessary for the beautification of Dharmanagar Town area – and at the same time the administration will relocate the evicted vendors as per the government policy.