Guwahati: Guwahati: Street vendors have returned to Fancy Bazar during the Durga Puja shopping season, raising questions over the enforcement of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation’s (GMC) no-vending restrictions in the city’s busiest commercial hub.The return of the vendors comes weeks after eviction drives were conducted to clear encroachments, ease congestion and improve pedestrian movement in the area.Fancy Bazar attracts large crowds during the festive season. The presence of roadside vendors, along with increased movement of shoppers and vehicles, has added to congestion on its narrow and busy streets.“These sites are off limits for the street vendors, and they have occupied it illegally. The eviction drives are continuous as roads are important to be kept clear for movements. There are not many vending zones in the city due to lack of space. Certain areas of the city, including Fatasil Ambari, Kacharighat, Uzan Bazar and more are functioning vending zones. However, surveys are ongoing to find more suitable locations,” a GMC official said.The civic body had earlier restricted vending along MS Road and HB Road as part of measures to regulate commercial activity and address congestion in the area. The restrictions came into effect in Sept.With festive shopping at its peak, maintaining pedestrian access and ensuring smoother traffic movement remain key concerns for the authorities. The situation also highlights the difficulty of sustaining eviction efforts in busy commercial areas, where roadside vending remains a source of livelihood for many traders.“Durga Puja business is the main source of income for many of us, and we cannot afford to sit at home during the festive season. The GMC keeps evicting us, but where are we supposed to go? We have been doing business here for years, and these few days are crucial for our earnings,” said Premadhar Rabha, a street vendor.Residents have called for regular monitoring and sustained enforcement to ensure that roads remain accessible.
