Sarasbaug development plan to have dedicated hawker zones

The recent anti-encroachment drive at the busy place received criticism with political leaders terming the move as affecting the livelihood of hawkers and roadside stall owners

Pune municipal commissioner Vikram Kumar has accepted the suggestion to chalk out a plan to allocate spaces for hawkers and food stall owners at Sarasbaug.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) city unit president Prashant Jagtap and party leader Ashwini Kadam have asked Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to frame rules for hawkers to carry out their business. (HT FILE PHOTO)

The recent anti-encroachment drive at the busy place received criticism with political leaders terming the move as affecting the livelihood of hawkers and roadside stall owners.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) city unit president Prashant Jagtap and party leader Ashwini Kadam have asked Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to frame rules for hawkers to carry out their business.

Kadam said, “At the meeting arranged by hawkers with the municipal commissioner and civic administration on Monday, we sought a plan for development of Sarasbaug and surrounding areas keeping hawkers and other sellers into consideration.”

Kadam said that many people visit Sarasbaug and hawkers are important to provide food and other facilities to visitors. PMC should design the spot by providing dedicated spaces to hawkers.

Kumar said, “PMC would allocate budget for development of Sarasbaug and surrounding areas in the next financial year. It will include walkways and dedicated spaces for hawkers.”