What challenges do roadside vendors face during festive seasons, and how can authorities ensure their protection without compromising public safety?

Roadside vendors play a significant role in the informal economy, especially during festive seasons like Deepavali, when demand for goods increases. However, they face several challenges due to increased crowds, regulatory pressures, and competition. Authorities must balance the need for public safety with the rights and livelihoods of these vendors.

Challenges Faced by Roadside Vendors During Festive Seasons:
• Eviction Drives: Increased footfall often leads to strict enforcement of anti-encroachment laws, resulting in evictions or confiscation of goods.
• Lack of Designated Spaces: Vendors may not have access to organized vending zones, leading to congestion and disputes with local authorities.
• Harassment and Bribes: There can be increased harassment from local officials or demands for bribes to allow vending during peak seasons.
• Safety Concerns: Overcrowding increases the risk of accidents, fires, and stampedes, especially when vendors use open flames or sell fireworks.
• Competition and Price Wars: More vendors enter the market during festivals, leading to price undercutting and reduced profits.
• Lack of Basic Amenities: Vendors often lack access to toilets, drinking water, and waste disposal facilities, affecting hygiene and health.

Measures Authorities Can Take to Ensure Protection and Public Safety:
• Designated Vending Zones: Allocate specific areas for festive vending to reduce congestion and ensure orderly business operations.
• Temporary Licenses: Issue short-term vending permits during festivals to regularize vendors and prevent arbitrary evictions.
• Awareness and Training: Conduct training on fire safety, crowd management, and hygiene for vendors before major festivals.
• Provision of Basic Amenities: Set up mobile toilets, drinking water stations, and waste bins in vending areas to maintain cleanliness.
• Collaboration with Vendor Associations: Involve vendor groups in planning and decision-making to ensure their needs are addressed.
• Strict Regulation of Hazardous Goods: Monitor and regulate the sale of hazardous items like fireworks to prevent accidents.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Establish helplines or complaint cells for vendors to report harassment or unfair treatment.