Patna: The Marine Drive stretch on JP Ganga Path has fallen quiet. With street vendors shifted for the ongoing beautification work, the crowds have thinned, and the once-busy hangout riverfront is now witnessing limited activity. The change has affected both business and the social life that once defined the area.The decision to clear the area has drawn mixed reactions. Nitesh Kumar, a frequent visitor to the place from Vaishali, said, “Vendors and delicacies prepared by them are the reason people come here and spend time.” He added that the current setup on the riverbank is disorganised and unhygienic. Another visitor, Nidhi Kumari, questioned the unhygienic condition, stating, “Yaha pe kaun khayega?” (Who will eat here?)Naiyar Imam, another visitor from Arwal, said, “This stretch used to be so crowded, and people used to enjoy nightlife here, but now it is empty. Why would people want to come and hang out here if there are no proper food stalls?”However, there are some who lauded the decision to clear the area. Jay Kumar said, “I feel better on the riverbank now. Earlier, the view of the Ganga river was blocked, and due to overcrowding, there was a lot of pollution. The govt should take steps so that this place remains hygienic.” Umang Lal, a resident of Boring Road, said, “Those who want to come won’t mind that the vendors have been removed.”Tanu Sharma (18), who came to the place, said, “People come here to enjoy the beauty of nature, but the dirt spoils the whole atmosphere.” She added that once the renovation is completed, vendors should shift back to make the place buzzing once again.Vijay Kumar Singh said, “Cars should not be allowed at the place because they kick up dust. Nature and peace are valuable despite the loss of frenzy in the area.” Another visitor, Vibha Singh, echoed a similar view, stating, “Now it’s better as congestion has vanished. But earlier it looked more happening, with more crowds and better food.”Raman Kumar Nirala, vice president of the JP Ganga Path Street Vendors’ Association, said, “We called off the strike on Monday because the authorities came in the morning and reassured us that the vending zone near the Digha Golambar will be ready in 45 days, with levelling of the ground and amenities like proper lighting, water, and toilet facilities.”A vendor, Bimla Sonam, who previously sold momos, said, “Now, we don’t prepare food or open the stall here because the items get contaminated with dust and sand. To sustain our livelihood, we are selling water bottles now.” She added that at the riverbank, there is no light. People refrain from coming here after sunset because of the poor condition. “Earlier, our shops used to operate till midnight; now we wrap up by 9pm due to poor footfall,” she said.Sanjiv Chaurasia, Digha MLA, said, “Even though the Marine Drive is not as crowded or happening as before, the govt is planning to make a vending zone, which will make it even better than it was before. It will take time for the crowd to return, but it will be bigger and better than before.”A senior PMC official said, “The vending zone is being built near the Digha Golambar. The modular shops by Patna Smart City Limited might go to bigger brands. The stretch will have food stalls and regain its charm soon.”
