The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has taken a proactive step to resolve the long-standing conflict between law enforcement agencies and street vendors by introducing two designated “Khao Gali” street food vending zones in the city. These zones aim to provide a harmonious space for street vendors to operate without any legal hurdles, creating a win-win situation for both parties involved.
The road connecting Panbazar to Guwahati railway station and the bustling area in front of Dighalipukhuri, already renowned as a food hub, will now be officially designated as “Khao Gali” – a dedicated zone for street food vendors.
GMC mayor Mrigen Sarania said, “The GMC has decided to designate the Cotton University hostel road and the space in front of Dighalipukhuri as ‘Khao Gali’, street-food vending zones within one to two months. We have taken the decision in order to end the clashes between the law enforcement agencies and the street vendors. The designated vending zones will give their business legitimacy.”
Additionally, the mayor expressed optimism that the establishment of these food zones will attract a wave of young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to embrace street food vending as a viable means of livelihood. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to a reduction in the unemployment rate in the city.
Food stall owners in the Dighalipukhuri area have voiced their grievances, stating that they frequently face threats of eviction from GMC officials.
Ibraj Chetry, owner of a food stall in the area and also an ex-employee of techno giant WIPRO, said, “If the GMC demarcates this place as a vending zone, it will be beneficial for us. Otherwise, we live in fear that we will be evicted any day. They frequently threaten us to vacate, accusing us of littering the place, though we try our best to clean up the stretch every night before closing our stalls.”
Previously, in the city, the Ariz Path area, which connected Guwahati Club to the Barowari area, was designated as a street food vending zone. However, this initiative was later discontinued due to the traffic congestion caused by the presence of food stalls in the area.