Sarojini Nagar market traders threaten to block Ring Road

Traders at the Sarojini Nagar market kept the shutters down for a third day in protest against New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) decision of allotting 112 street vendors space in the market.

Traders at the Sarojini Nagar market kept the shutters down for a third day in protest against New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) decision of allotting 112 street vendors space in the market.

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Traders warned that they would block the Ring Road if the NDMC did not withdraw its decision.

“The chief minister has assured us that she will coordinate with the NDMC and try her best to settle the issue. We will block the Ring Road if the NDMC does not withdraw its list,” said Ashok Randhawa of Sarojini Nagar Mini Market Association.

There are already 120 street vendors at Sarojini Nagar market. Traders claim that there is no space to accommodate additional street vendors in the market and it will add to chaos for the traders.

“We’ll keep the market shut till the time we get a written assurance from NDMC. We are not against vendors’ right of earning their living legally, but that should not put out business and market security at risk,” said Pramod Kumar of Sarojini Nagar market.

Meanwhile, the vendors feel that there rights should not be curtailed and they should be given an equal opportunity. “The Supreme Court has empowered us by giving us tehbazaris (street vending) in Sarojini Nagar market. The market can accommodate more vendors,” said Bansi Lal of Sarojini Nagar Vendors Association.

The NDMC, however, said that they had followed all rules in allotting space to street vendors. “The vending committee consulted all local authorities and the traffic department before allotting space,” said Amit Prasad, spokesperson, NDMC.