Chennai: The absence of regulation designating vending and non-vending zones in Tambaram has left pavements vulnerable to unchecked encroachments. Though the civic body identified hawkers and food stalls that encroached on the pedestrian space, no action has been taken to clear them.
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In Dec last year, the corporation announced plans to designate specific vending and non-vending zones to regulate street trade.
Locals says several shops have been functioning for years without authorisation, while others appear seasonally, setting up stalls in any available space. V Saritha, secretary of the Ganesh Nagar residents welfare association, said that a large number of shops in the Tambaram market operate without valid licences. Some vendors pay bribes to continue their business,” she said. She also said that in areas like Pallavaram and East Tambaram, bunk shops occupy most of the pavement space, leaving little room for pedestrians. A senior corporation official said, “Encroachment removal drives are conducted once every two weeks.
Residents have to put up with street vendors occupying pavements, especially near the Tambaram Railway Station, bus stand, Chromepet bus depot and East Tambaram. Pedestrians are forced to walk on busy roads, increasing the risk of accidents. This raises concerns over safety and traffic management. Months later, the proposal remains unimplemented. She urged the corporation to form a vigilance team to carry out regular eviction drives. However, vendors return shortly after. Plans to establish vending and non-vending zones are under way, and vendors will soon be relocated,” the official added.