“We earn barely `500 a day but we are fined thousands of rupees,” said a vendor from Koti. “Our stalls are removed without any notice,” added another vendor.
Hyderabad: Marking International Street Vendors Day, dozens of vendors protested outside the GHMC office demanding protection and recognition under the Street Vendors Act, 2014.
The vendors said that they are being evicted in absence of vending certificates and complained of police harassment.
“We earn barely `500 a day but we are fined thousands of rupees,” said a vendor from Koti. “Our stalls are removed without any notice,” added another vendor.
Though the GHMC has identified over 120 vending zones, incomplete surveys and lack of licensing have left vendors vulnerable. The protesters urged the GHMC to halt evictions until certificates are issued and proper zoning is implemented.
Village layouts become land grabbers’ target
Hyderabad: Old layouts approved by village panchayats are becoming main targets for encroachments in the outskirts of Hyderabad. Several residents raised issues during the HYDRAA Prajavani grievance programme, saying that the boundaries of roads and parks in these layouts are being erased and the land is being converted into agricultural plots. When questioned about it, encroachers are showing recently obtained land passbooks and claiming ownership.
Out of the 64 complaints received on Monday, more than 60 per cent were related to such old layouts. Many of the complaints were also about encroachments on park areas and internal roads. HYDRAA commissioner A.V/ Ranganath reviewed the cases using Google Maps and instructed concerned officials to verify them. He made it clear that unless a layout is officially revised, the original plan showing roads and parks remains valid. He assured that action would be taken after hearing all parties involved and thoroughly examining the complaints.
In Korremula, a part of a 1987 layout with 2,080 plots was encroached using fake passbooks despite court protection. In Peddamberpet, locals said the main 40-feet road of a colony was blocked, cutting off access to major highways.
At Alwal’s Reddy Enclave, which was a part of a designated park, was taken over by leaving the colony with no open space. In Asif Nagar, 3,800 sq yards of Dargah land was allegedly grabbed and construction is on without GHMC permission. In Hayathnagar’s T. Nagar layout, the only park land was encroached while ignoring court orders.
