Tripunithura to ban street vending in non-vending zones

Kochi: Tripunithura municipality has decided to prohibit street vending in designated non-vending zones across the municipality and evict vendors operating without valid licences. The decision comes after an earlier eviction drive was temporarily halted when several vendors claimed they possessed licences issued by the civic body.According to municipal chairman P L Babu, three stretches have been identified as non-vending zones: Mini Bypass area, stretch from Poornathrayeesa Temple to Tripunithura Market and road from SN Junction to Eroor-Puthiya Road.“Following a high-level meeting involving all stakeholders, we have decided not to allow any street vendors, including those possessing licences, to operate in these non-vending zones,” Babu said.The civic body is also considering to set up a dedicated street vending zone in the municipality so as to curb the challenges of traffic and road accidents caused by street vendors. However, the municipality will take a final decision on the legal and technical aspects of the eviction process at a municipal council meeting scheduled for Wednesday.Municipal officials said the number of street vendors operating in the town far exceeds the number of licences issued. “In Tripunithura, 89 individuals have applied for vending licences and around 100 applications are pending. However, there are more than a thousand street vendors operating in the municipality,” an official said.Officials cited traffic congestion and road safety concerns as key reasons for the move. They noted that several roads in the municipality are narrow and that encroachments by street vendors have worsened traffic flow and increased the risk of accidents.The eviction drive was initiated after examining reports submitted by traffic police, which highlighted frequent accidents along Mini Bypass corridor.“As per available reports, around five people lose their lives in road accidents every month and more than 100 accidents are reported monthly. A municipal councillor is currently undergoing treatment after being injured in a road accident,” a municipal official said.The municipality is expected to begin further action after the council finalises the eviction procedures.