Pune:Â Viman Nagar Citizens Forum Calls For Legal Vendor Zones Amid Growing Hawker PresenceÂ
Pune:Â Viman Nagar Citizens Forum Calls For Legal Vendor Zones Amid Growing Hawker Presence
Pune: The Viman Nagar Citizens Forum (VNCF) has raised concerns over the growing number of street vendors and hawkers in the area, attributing it to the presence of educational institutions, hostels, and IT companies that attract a high footfall. The forum has criticized the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for failing to create designated vendor zones despite repeated requests since 2018.
In a recent meeting with PMC officials, VNCF Convenor Qaneez Sukhrani reiterated the demand for legal relocation of vendors to specific spots and called for the removal of illegal encroachments. The forum has also urged the Traffic Police to take action, as hawkers disrupt smooth traffic movement and contribute to congestion.
Proposed Vendor Zones and Challenges
Phoenix Mall (Neco Garden side): Space available for 50 vendors, but the Road Department has withheld the No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to the reserved status for HCMTR. However, as the HCMTR is an elevated project, vendors could occupy ground-level spaces without interference.
Phoenix Mall (North Court End): PMC-owned triangle spot where 20 vendors could be accommodated.
Neco NX Amenity Space: Suitable for cooked food stalls, ensuring organized placement of street food vendors.
S.No. 209 (Near Mata Mandir, Opposite Skating Rink): Potential space for 50 vendors, currently occupied by illegal huts that need clearance.
Legal Framework & PMC’s Responsibility
The forum has cited the Maharashtra Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood & Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and PIL No. 141 of 2023 on Pedestrian Rights, urging PMC to act swiftly.
“PMC must not delay this issue further. The administration needs to implement structured solutions instead of merely issuing notices. Traffic Police must also assist in resolving congestion issues caused by unregulated vending,” said Sukhrani.
The VNCF has requested a joint effort from PMC, Traffic Police, and Building Departments to ensure a legal, organized, and congestion-free vendor relocation plan in Viman Nagar.
