Guwahati: A Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) eviction drive in the Bhangagarh area turned violent when street vendors allegedly attacked civic workers, prompting a police complaint.The incident occurred around 2 am recently near Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, where workers arrived with a backhoe loader to remove unauthorised roadside food stalls and clear public spaces. Videos circulated on social media purportedly showed a group pelting stones at the driver. GMC officials said those responsible were yet to be identified.Vendors said repeated eviction drives hurt their livelihoods, but they returned because they had no alternative sites. “Thousands of patients visit the hospital, many of whom look for affordable food, which the vendors provide. There is no proper place that can accommodate us or provide any consistency to our business. We have been operating in this area for a long time, and this is how we make our living,” vendor Premadhar Rabha said.GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania said the busy stretch must remain free of encroachments to ensure the smooth movement of ambulances amid heavy traffic.“Food carts are unauthorised in these areas, and we have already notified the public. Most of these people set up food carts without any permission and litter the area,” Sarania added.Acknowledging the need for proper vending zones, Sarania said the city has more than 25 toll markets, including those at Ganeshguri, Fatashil, Uzanbazar, Narengi and Kacharighat.GMC earlier identified 81 vending zones, but limited suitable space prompted a fresh survey. Sarania said approved sites would be notified after the survey.
