In a significant move to decongest and restore the iconic look of one of its prime tourist spots, the Mussoorie administration has carried out a major clearance operation on the historic Mall Road. The local authorities, along with the Mussoorie Municipal Council (MMC), initiated the removal of all street vendors from the stretch on Sunday, acting on a prior ultimatum.
Deadline Passed, Action Initiated
The drive followed a clear deadline set by the authorities, which required all vendors to vacate the Mall Road area by December 20. They were directed to shift their businesses to five designated locations within the hill town. MMC executive engineer Gaurav Bhasin provided details on the action, stating that a total of 80 street vendors have been rehabilitated in accordance with the provisions of the Street Vendors Act, 2014.
"While most others have voluntarily removed their wares, we confiscated goods from those who continued sales after the deadline," Bhasin explained, clarifying that the action targeted encroachers who did not fall under the rehabilitation plan. This step marks a firm stance by the MMC, which has undertaken multiple anti-encroachment drives in the past with limited success, as many vendors had previously refused to relocate.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
The move has sparked contrasting reactions from different sections. While some senior Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Harish Rawat, have expressed opposition to the clearance drive, it has found strong support among local residents and established shopkeepers.
One trader, representing the sentiment of many business owners on Mall Road, voiced strong approval. "Vendors lined up from Gandhi Chowk to Picture Palace were ruining the aesthetics of this historic road and causing significant traffic congestion. We wholeheartedly support the administration's move," the trader stated.
Scale of the Operation and Future Outlook
Official estimates suggest that approximately 200 street vendors were operating along the bustling Mall Road before the drive. These vendors sold a variety of goods, including popular food items, garments, and other merchandise catering to tourists and locals alike.
The rehabilitation of 80 vendors under the legal framework indicates an effort to balance enforcement with providing legitimate livelihood options. The success of this drive in maintaining a clear Mall Road long-term, however, will depend on consistent monitoring and the effective functioning of the five new designated vending zones. The administration's action underscores an ongoing challenge in Indian hill stations: managing urban space, heritage aesthetics, and informal economies.
