Sanjauli market declared no-vending zone: Municipal corporation to crack down on illegal street vendors

Shimla, 02 September: Shimla Municipal Corporation is going to take strict action against illegal street vendors in Sanjauli market after it was recently declared a no-vending zone. The move is part of a wider effort by the corporation to regulate street vendor activities across the city and maintain order in commercial areas.

Under the new vending policy, the entire Sanjauli market has been classified as a no-vending zone, with vendors prohibited from setting up stalls outside shops. While this ban is applicable across Shimla, the municipal corporation plans to implement the new system across the city in the coming days. The draft of the final policy is expected to be presented in the court soon, which after approval will lead to a complete ban on unauthorized vendors in areas from Sanjauli to Lower Bazaar and Ram Bazaar.

The impact of this policy was evident on Monday itself, when an unusual absence of vendors was seen in Sanjauli market. This comes after local protests against a particular religious group on Sunday, which may have contributed to the disappearance of street vendors from the area the next day.

The municipal corporation has emphasized that it will take decisive action against any vendor found violating the new rules. Those found selling illegally will have their goods confiscated and repeat offenders may face legal action, including police involvement.

Residents and local councillors have long expressed concern over the increasing number of vendors from a particular religious community setting up roadside shops in the Sanjauli market. These concerns have resurfaced in the wake of a recent incident in Malayana, prompting the administration to take swift action.