There is a large Metro board, on which eight hawkers sit in a row selling fruits
Before the Metro work started, the Parade Ground footpath was where we sat and sold fruits. We had been doing that for years, says one of the vendors. (Photo: DC/File)
Hyderabad: Patny junction is cramped due to the Metro rail works. The temporary carriage-way for vehicles, adjoining the Parade Ground, has hawkers sitting near the construction site. The work of laying the foundation is going on at the crossroads. There is a large Metro board, on which eight hawkers sit in a row selling fruits.
Varalakshmi, who comes from Medchal to sell these fruits every day, says, “Before the Metro work started, the Parade Ground footpath was where we sat and sold fruits. We had been doing that for years. Now, because of the Metro work, where are we to go?”
Small packets of pomegranate, guavas, papaya, custard apple and flowers are sold by these vendors. They have regular customers like college students and office goers who pick up these packets from them.
The problem now is that the road is badly damaged due to the Metro work. Eight vendors are sitting on the road while the other 15 sit on the footpath.
It is a precarious position, as cars, bikes and scooters whiz past at high speed making it dangerous both for the hawkers and their customers.
Project director of Larsen and Turbo for the Metro rail project said, “We have complained to the Secunderabad traffic cops as this comes under their jurisdiction. The work on the pillar at the crossroads is going on and they have to be careful. A marshal has been asked to monitor the situation.”
Another hawker Nagraj Naidu said, “20 of us have been coming here for many years. Now, about five to eight hawkers have no space. The others are not willing to accommodate them on the footpath. Hence they sit on the road.”
A senior Metro official at the construction site explained, “On humanitarian grounds, we have been asking them to shift to a safer spot, but they are not willing to listen. They say that since they have been sitting at the spot for so long, they should be allowed to continue there. Even the traffic cops have not been able to convince them. Only if the customers stop coming to them, will they move.”
( Source : dc correspondent )
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