Hyderabad: Vendors Take Over Footpaths, Causing Problems for Residents and Commuters
In various parts of Hyderabad, footpaths and roads have been taken over by vendors, turning these areas into unauthorized markets. These vendors have set up carts and stalls, making it difficult for pedestrians to use the sidewalks and causing traffic problems for commuters.
The issue of vendors encroaching on public spaces is growing, but little action has been taken by city authorities. As a result, many people are forced to walk on the roads, which is dangerous. This problem is widespread across the city, with areas like Nampally, Ameerpet, Kukatpally, Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Film Nagar, Uppal, and LB Nagar being particularly affected.
In previously calm neighborhoods like Film Nagar, Jubilee Hills, and Banjara Hills, the rise of street vendors has led to increased noise and traffic. These areas, once known for being peaceful residential zones, are now filled with vendor stalls. The situation has caused traffic congestion, and pedestrians are forced to walk on the roads due to the blocked footpaths.
Narayana, a resident of Film Nagar, shared his concerns, stating that footpaths and roads are now occupied by various vendors selling food, fruits, and other items. This not only causes traffic jams but also creates issues like noise pollution, dog problems, and privacy concerns for the residents, as people gather right outside their homes.
Despite complaints, little has been done to resolve the issue. Residents, including those from Film Nagar, have raised the issue on social media, tagging both the police and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). However, the police responded by saying that the GHMC is responsible for handling such matters, and the police can only assist.
In Jubilee Hills, near Lotus Pond, residents have reported a similar problem. Illegal stalls have popped up, causing inconvenience to locals and commuters. These vendors often leave garbage in the area, blocking drains and making the surroundings unhygienic. Shubham, a resident, mentioned that the roads are often flooded with dirty water because of blocked drains.
Residents have repeatedly requested the authorities to clear the footpaths, but even when vendors are removed, they quickly return. One resident mentioned that a food stall in the area leaves the entire street littered with leftovers, worsening the situation.
On the Chandrayangutta to Phisalbanda-DRDL road, a large number of stalls selling fruits, clothes, and accessories have set up shop. These stalls are located near a high-security area belonging to a defense academy, where former president APJ Abdul Kalam started his missile-building mission. Despite the area’s importance, the stalls remain due to the lack of action by both the GHMC and traffic police.
Some vendors admitted that they do not pay rent for their stalls, but they do give money to the GHMC and traffic police in the form of challans. Local residents have complained that the vendors attract a lot of customers, which leads to traffic jams as people park their vehicles on the roads.
