Hawkers ‘hit’ out at demolition

Hyderabad: Street vendors at Charminar pelted stones to protest the demolition drive from Chowmahalla to Laad Bazaar that is being carried out by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation as part of the Charminar Pedestrian Project. The second round of demolition witnessed high drama as 60 temporary sheds were removed. Angry vendors tried to stop the demolition and police had to intervene.

“I have been here for 40 years, what problem do they have with my store? This is my daily bread. I have not committed any crime, why are they snatching away my income?” cried Ahmed Khan, a florist. Many shops selling shoes, flowers, bags, perfumes and food joints were also taken off the road. Vendors were a worried lot  as they wondered where to set up shop and the effect the drive would have on their daily business. However the GHMC stated that no business will be affected as vendors would be allowed to set up stalls at a designated area.

South Zone commissioner Balasubramaniam explained all projections on the inner ring road and outer ring road, falling under the project, would be removed. The GHMC has already widened the road from Chowmahalla to Laad Bazaar. Around 70 structures were pulled down on Saturday and another 100 were knocked off on Tuesday.  Most locals themselves seemed surprised at the sight of the encroachment free roads.

The GHMC authorities claim that once the project is completed the flow of tourists will increase and their business will impro-ve. “Shop keepers and other vendors don’t have to fear about business. Their co-operation is required for completion of the CC Project,” added the zonal commissioner.

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