Dharwad : Members of the Street Vendors’ Association and Congress , led by Deepak Chinchore, protested outside the DC’s office in Dharwad on Monday against Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation’s eviction drive, alleging it had deprived hundreds of vendors of their livelihood.
Chinchore alleged that HDMC had evicted hundreds of vendors across Dharwad, including many operating from the same locations for 20 to 30 years. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Addressing protesters, Chinchore said the Supreme Court had recognised street vendors’ right to earn a livelihood through a series of judgments. Rather than depriving them of income, the civic body should provide alternative vending spaces where stalls cause encroachment or traffic congestion, he said. Protesters said their shops had been closed for three days, severely affecting earnings. Most depended on daily income to feed their families and struggled to afford necessities, even after one day without business, they said.
HDMC conducted the drive on Lokayukta’s directions to clear footpaths and roads allegedly encroached upon by vendors’ stalls. Criticising its failure to establish vending zones in every locality, he urged the corporation to halt evictions immediately and arrange alternative sites for vendors obstructing traffic. The association asked HDMC to identify vacant land in every ward and allow temporary stalls so vendors could resume business. They sought a humanitarian solution addressing traffic and livelihood concerns and submitted a memorandum seeking the DC’s intervention. Download the TOI App.