Hyderabad: Hawkers at ESI hospital asked to pack up

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) has asked hawkers at ESI Hospital Metro Station to vacate. As part of the city beautification drive and convenience of pedestrians, street vendors have been asked to vacate, said an HMR officer.

D. Rama Krishna, who sells coconut at the bus stop near Gate A, said, “I have been here for 15 years and this is the only source of income for my family. Officials are asking us to vacate but they are not telling us where to go.”

Another vendor, Inder Singh Keshuram, said, “I deal with quilts and sweaters. This year I will end up in loss as I will be removed from here.”  Regarding the relocation of hawkers,  V Bhaskara Chary, GHMC additional commissioner, urban community development, said, “The hawkers  will be shifted as per the street vending policy. We will provide them alternative locations.”