LACK OF VENDOR ZONE IN SHAHPUR EXACERBATES PROBLEMS

LACK OF VENDOR ZONE IN SHAHPUR EXACERBATES PROBLEMS

18-DEC-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------Despite the administrative commitment to developing a vendor zone in Shahpur Nagar Panchayat of Bhojpur district, the lack of implementation on the ground has brought the situation back to square one. Shopkeepers who were removed from the roads and footpaths during the anti-encroachment drive are now forced to set up their businesses again on the main road, NH-84, severely affecting traffic management and daily life. This situation has become a major challenge for the Nagar Panchayat, and the collection of market fees in the name of the Nagar Panchayat raises questions about its seriousness towards smooth traffic management.

The anti-encroachment drive previously conducted by the Nagar Panchayat was considered a commendable step. At that time, the administration had assured the traders that they would be provided with an organized and permanent place in the form of a vendor zone, where they could conduct their business without any disruption. Following this assurance, many shopkeepers voluntarily removed their shops from the roads, hoping that they would soon get a legitimate and safe place. It was hoped that once the vendor zone was developed, the town's roads would be clear, pedestrians would have easy access, and traffic congestion would be eliminated.

However, unfortunately, this promise has not yet been fulfilled by the municipal administration. The construction of the vendor zone remained only on paper, and no concrete progress was visible on the ground. As a result, vegetable vendors and street vendors faced a serious crisis of livelihood, as their income depends entirely on their daily business. The necessity of earning a living has forced them to return to the NH-84 main road, Banahi Road, and other public places.

Today, the situation on various main roads of Shahpur Nagar Panchayat, such as NH-84 and Banahi Railway Station Road, is back to what it was before. Encroachment has not been removed from the bus stand shed, the main market (old), and Sarna Road. Temporary shops line the sides of the roads, occupying more than half of the road space. The direct consequence of this is that vehicular movement is being disrupted. Emergency services, such as ambulances and other vehicles, also face immense difficulty in navigating these roads, which can have serious consequences in any emergency situation.

Social activist Vinay Mishra said that the root cause of this problem lies in the lack of a designated vendor zone, coupled with the administrative apathy and lack of long-term planning on the part of the Nagar Panchayat (town council). If a vendor zone had been developed in a timely manner and the shopkeepers had been systematically relocated there, this current situation would not have arisen. A vendor zone is not only a solution to the problem of encroachment, but it is also a means of providing small traders with a respectable and permanent business location, which ensures their economic security.

Local residents say that the municipal administration should fulfill its commitment and develop the vendor zone immediately. At the same time, the shopkeepers must also understand that setting up shops haphazardly along the main road of NH-84 not only inconveniences the general public but is also risky for their own businesses. In this entire situation, the common citizens are the most affected. They have to contend with traffic jams every day. ​​The Nagar Panchayat officials and representatives need to address this serious problem immediately to ensure smooth traffic flow, clean sidewalks, and an organized business environment in Shahpur Nagar Panchayat.