Row Over Eviction of Street Vendors by PBMC

John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, Aug 22: The South Andaman district witnessed a significant upheaval as the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) with the help of the District Administration and police jointly conducted an eviction drive targeting street vendors on Saturday night. The move resulted in the removal of around 22 street vendor stalls from their locations.
While the eviction itself was executed within the bounds of the legal framework, the manner in which it unfolded and its subsequent viral circulation on social media have stirred discontent among the public.
Reports reveal that some street vendors and their workers gathered in front of the PBMC office around 11 AM this morning. Supported by some public leaders, they demanded a permanent solution for street vendors’ predicament, including license approvals. They also sought the return of their materials that were confiscated during the eviction, citing damages and requesting compensation.
In response to the mounting tensions, Councillor of Ward Number 04, Mr. Abdul Islam, along with Councillor of Ward Number 19, Mr. V Vetrivelu, Councillor of Ward Number 10, Mrs. T Mangayakarasai, and Congress Leader Mr. Tamil Selvam, rallied in support of the vendors. Mr. Abdul Islam informed that discussions were held with PBMC’s Secretary, Dilkush Meena IAS today.
According to Mr. Islam, the Secretary reportedly provided a positive response and pledged to investigate the matter. Furthermore, the vendors were granted permission to conduct business for a limited three-hour period without disrupting traffic flow, ensuring order and discipline.
Meanwhile, the rise in the number of street vendors has triggered traffic congestion concerns, compounded by outsiders participating in these enterprises. While the necessity for well-regulated street vending practices is acknowledged, the abrupt removal of shops has raised questions. Calls for the Administration to establish robust guidelines, ensuring transparency and fair practices, have grown louder. This incident has sparked broader conversations about the need for a systematic and ethical approach to managing street vending activities.