A large-scale eviction and anti-encroachment drive carried out by the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) on Tuesday morning sparked protests from sections of street vendors, even as many residents welcomed the move to clear congested footpaths and roads.
The operation followed an announcement by Mayor Deepak Majumder on February 1 that illegal parking on roads and over covered drains would not be allowed from February 3 onwards, and that street vending without valid licences would be prohibited. Acting on the directive, AMC’s enforcement teams began clearing footpaths and removing roadside stalls from early morning hours across key commercial areas of the city.
Allegations of Action Against Licensed Vendors
The drive, however, turned contentious after several hawkers alleged that even licensed vendors were targeted. Vendors claimed their carts and stalls were seized without proper verification of documents.
Biplab Kar, a leader of the BJP-affiliated Hawkers Association, accused the civic body of arbitrary action. “Even vendors with valid licences have had their carts taken away. This is harassment of poor traders who survive on daily earnings,” he said while addressing the media.
Public Opinion Split
The operation drew mixed reactions from residents. Many citizens supported the crackdown, saying footpaths have long been rendered unusable due to encroachments, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads and worsening traffic congestion.
Residents also urged the AMC to ensure uniform implementation across the city, pointing to chronic encroachment in areas such as Gol Bazar, Battala, Kaman Chowmuhani, Math Chowmuhani, Shankar Chowmuhani–Colonel Chowmuhani stretch, Post Office Chowmuhani and the Nagerjala bridge zone. Calls were also made for strict action against illegal parking of two-wheelers and cars and unauthorized roadside businesses.
Calls for Designated Vending Zones
At the same time, several citizens and civil society voices appealed for a more humane approach, suggesting the creation of designated vending zones to protect livelihoods. Proposals included shifting vendors to organised spaces such as the old TRTC complex, allowing hawkers to operate legally without blocking footpaths.
Scepticism also surfaced about the sustainability of the drive. “Such rules are enforced for a few days and then everything returns to how it was,” remarked a local resident, questioning the long-term impact of the campaign.
Mayor Reiterates Stand
Responding to the concerns, Mayor Deepak Majumder reiterated that footpaths are meant exclusively for pedestrians and roads for vehicles. “Footpaths must be kept free for walking. Vehicles will move on roads, not on footpaths,” he said, underlining the administration’s intent to restore urban order and pedestrian safety.
The AMC is yet to issue an official clarification on the allegations regarding the seizure of carts belonging to licensed vendors. Meanwhile, the drive has reignited debate in Agartala over balancing urban discipline with the livelihoods of informal workers, with citizens demanding both strict enforcement and rehabilitation measures.