Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has directed officials to take strict action against unauthorised street vendors operating within the city limits, citing growing concerns over traffic congestion, pedestrian movement and the obstruction of public spaces.
The directive comes amid increasing complaints from citizens and various organisations about vendors occupying footpaths, roadsides and other public areas without the required permissions. The civic body has maintained that while street vending is a recognised livelihood activity, unauthorised occupation of public spaces cannot be allowed to affect road safety and the free movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
MCC seeks voluntary removal of unauthorised vendors
According to the MCC directive, street vendors who do not possess the required official documents have been asked to voluntarily vacate the locations where they are conducting business.
The corporation has made it clear that vendors who have already obtained official street vending identity cards and trade certificates issued by the MCC are exempt from the immediate action, provided they are operating in accordance with the applicable rules.
However, those conducting business without the necessary authorisation have been instructed to clear their vending spots. The move is aimed at ensuring that footpaths and other public areas remain accessible to pedestrians and that roadsides are not unnecessarily occupied by commercial activities.
The MCC’s decision follows complaints received from members of the public as well as different organisations. Residents have reportedly raised concerns over vendors operating in areas where their presence can contribute to traffic bottlenecks and make it difficult for pedestrians to use designated walking spaces.
Footpath encroachment raises traffic and safety concerns
Unauthorised street vending can create multiple challenges in densely populated parts of the city. When vendors set up stalls on footpaths or close to carriageways, pedestrians may be forced to walk along roads, increasing their exposure to traffic.
Similarly, the presence of temporary stalls, customers and parked vehicles around vending points can reduce the available road space and contribute to congestion, particularly during peak hours.
For a growing urban centre such as Mangaluru, maintaining clear pedestrian corridors and ensuring smooth vehicular movement remain important civic priorities. The corporation’s latest directive is therefore expected to focus on removing vending activities that are being carried out without official approval or in locations where they interfere with public movement.
At the same time, the distinction made by the MCC between authorised and unauthorised vendors is significant. Vendors who possess valid identity cards and trade certificates are recognised within the city’s street vending framework, while those without the necessary authorisation have been asked to vacate.
Legal action threatened against defaulters
The MCC has warned that vendors who do not comply voluntarily could face eviction and other appropriate legal action.
Officials are expected to proceed in accordance with the provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act. The legislation provides a framework for regulating street vending while also recognising the livelihood interests of street vendors.
The civic body’s latest instruction indicates that enforcement will be directed towards vendors who do not have the required authorisation rather than treating all street vendors alike.
Those affected by the directive may therefore need to verify whether they possess the necessary MCC-issued documentation and whether their vending activity complies with the applicable regulations.
Balancing livelihoods with public convenience
Street vending provides an important source of livelihood for many people, making regulation a sensitive civic issue. Effective enforcement needs to balance the rights and livelihood concerns of vendors with the public’s right to safe and accessible roads and footpaths.
The MCC’s emphasis on identity cards and trade certificates provides a mechanism for distinguishing authorised vendors from those operating outside the established framework. Ensuring that enforcement is carried out consistently and transparently will be important as the corporation begins implementing the directive.
The action also places responsibility on vendors to comply with the regulations governing street vending. At the same time, clear communication about authorised vending locations, documentation and applicable rules can help prevent confusion during enforcement drives.
Enforcement likely to reshape public spaces
The MCC’s directive is expected to result in enforcement against unauthorised vending activity in different parts of the city. Vendors who voluntarily remove their stalls can avoid further action, while those who continue operating without the required permissions could face proceedings under the applicable law.
The immediate objective is to restore unobstructed access to public spaces and improve traffic movement. With complaints from residents and organisations continuing to draw attention to the issue, the corporation’s action signals a stricter approach towards unauthorised occupation of roadsides and footpaths.
For Mangaluru, the challenge will be to ensure that enforcement improves public convenience while the legitimate street vending community is regulated through the established legal framework. The effectiveness of the drive will ultimately depend on consistent implementation, proper identification of unauthorised vendors and adherence to the provisions protecting regulated street vending.