HYDERABAD: Even as Hyderabad revelled in its first motorsport event on Sunday, hawkers and petty vendors who generally occupy the NTR Marg stretch were left in the lurch, as police barricading and traffic restrictions prevented them from entering.
They alleged that other corporate establishments and eateries along the stretch were compensated by the sponsors and the government, while they were left to fend for themselves despite paying rent for occupying street sides.
M. Laxmaiah, a pushcart vendor, who sets up opposite NTR Gardens, said, “We have been paying daily rent of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500, while making a profit of Rs 500- Rs 800 profit on weekdays and Rs 1,200- Rs 1,500 on weekends. Authorities forced us to sit at home, as we cannot do business elsewhere as per the condition of our federation.”
Laxmaiah said that he was hoping that they would at least be allowed to do business on the Tank Bund side during the event, but security arrangements shut that possibility too.
Zubeer, another vendor, said, “I'm sure they (eatery chains) must have been paid for shutting their businesses but will the government, sponsor or other nodal agency pay us? First of all, we have been struggling to feed our families despite selling goods, as we are paying heavy rents. Events like this will only push us more into misery than bring us joy. The government should at least provide an alternate location during such events.”
Officials of the HMDA, which collects rent from hawkers along the NTR Gardens, Necklace Road and near Lumbini Park, refused to comment on the issue.
