Street vendor evictions in Manikonda spark row over ‘High-handed’ civic action
HYDERABAD: The anti-encroachment drive against footpath vendors in Manikonda and Neknampoor divisions of Narsingi Circle under Cyberabad Municipal corporation limits on Saturday has drawn strong criticism. Citizen activists allege that municipal officials disregarded parliamentary laws and state government orders, causing significant inconvenience to the public.
Describing the official crackdown, under the Telangana State Congress government, Hemant, Zonal Commissioner for Serilingampally, and Krishna Mohan, Deputy Commissioner for Narsingi Circle, led municipal officials to deploy 20 teams and 16 JCB vehicles to address footpath encroachments. Members of The Citizens Council allege that officials conducted the operation in a high-handed manner and prevented street vendors from selling essential goods and vegetables.
Recalling legal efforts, members of The Citizens Council recalled that in April of last year, they approached the Telangana High Court specifically to stop the practice of collecting money from street vendors under the guise of Thai Bazaar fees. The court subsequently issued directives to proceed in accordance with their plea, the Council noted.
Examining the roots of the problem, critics argue that officials previously implemented decisions of the former Manikonda Municipal Council without question, which led to the current situation. At that time, officials acted passively and allowed encroachments to continue, despite knowing the potential inconvenience to the public.
“Now, having finally ‘opened their eyes,’ officials are clearing these footpath encroachments under the guise of a public welfare initiative,” said Laxman Rao Ande, The Citizen Council member.
The Citizens Council criticized authorities for failing to respond. They stated that, in the interests of both street vendors and residents, they have repeatedly requested that officials construct an integrated market complex or, at minimum, designate specific vending zones until such a facility is built. According to the Council, officials have consistently ignored these appeals.
Expressing the vendors’ perspective, affected business owners stated that, if officials had given them prior notice and time before the eviction drive, they would have removed their signboards voluntarily.The public acknowledged the need to clear encroachments but also urged authorities to address structures built on the Bulkapur Nala, particularly from Aparna Zenon to Marrichetu along the Outer Ring Road.
Concluding with a call for solutions, the Citizens Council reiterated that the lack of a designated vending zone or integrated market complex in the rapidly growing Manikonda-Neknampoor corridor is the root cause of the issue. They argued that, until officials establish such infrastructure, street vendors who provide essential goods should be allowed to operate in regulated vending zones instead of facing sudden evictions.
