Tiruchi Embarks on Ambitious Plan to Organize Street Vending, Aims for Urban Harmony

Tiruchi is buzzing with the promise of a more organized future for its vibrant street vendor community. The Tiruchi Corporation is set to launch a comprehensive survey aimed at meticulously identifying and demarcating specific street vending zones across the city. This proactive step is designed to bring order to the bustling street economy, safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of vendors, and enhance the overall urban experience for its citizens.

The initiative is a direct response to the mandates of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, a crucial piece of legislation designed to integrate street vending into urban planning while protecting vendor rights.

At the heart of this effort is the Town Vending Committee (TVC), a statutory body that plays a pivotal role in decision-making, notably with 40% of its members comprising street vendor representatives, ensuring their voices are heard directly in policy formation.

Past attempts to regulate street vending in Tiruchi have met with varying degrees of success.

A significant survey conducted in 2017 identified a staggering 27,000 street vendors across the city. However, the subsequent process of effectively demarcating and implementing dedicated vending zones faced considerable hurdles, leading to persistent issues of encroachment and a lack of systematic organization.

This history underscores the urgent need for a fresh, more robust approach.

This time, the Corporation is committed to a thorough and collaborative process. The upcoming survey will be a detailed exercise, conducted with the active participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and street vendor associations.

This partnership is crucial for gathering accurate data directly from the ground. The survey will delve into various aspects, including the types of goods and services offered by vendors, their current operational locations, and their preferred spots. This comprehensive data collection is vital for creating a fair and functional system.

Following the data analysis, the TVC will play a central role in classifying and formalizing three distinct categories of zones: 'vending zones' where street vending is permitted and encouraged, 'restricted vending zones' where vending may be allowed under specific conditions or timings, and 'no-vending zones' where vending is strictly prohibited to ensure public safety, accessibility, and sanitation.

Corporation Commissioner R. Vaithinathan has emphasized the critical importance of these classifications, stating, 'We need to identify suitable vending zones and regulate vending activities in other areas to ensure public order and prevent encroachments.'

The TVC, which had reportedly seen periods of inactivity, is now poised for regular meetings to drive this process forward.

The goal is to not only comply with the central Act but also to foster a sustainable ecosystem where vendors can operate with dignity and security, while public spaces remain accessible and orderly for all citizens. This collaborative effort between the civic body, NGOs, and vendor representatives represents a significant stride towards creating a more inclusive and well-managed urban environment in Tiruchi, promising a brighter, more organized future for its bustling streets.