‘Administration Is Trying to Divide Us’: Street Vendors Disrupt Town Vending Committee Meeting in Mussoorie

A meeting of the Town Vending Committee (TVC) in Mussoorie descended into chaos on Wednesday after a section of street vendors staged a strong protest, accusing the municipal administration of attempting to divide them. The protesters raised slogans, disrupted proceedings, and demanded the dissolution of the Town Vending Committee, alleging bias and unfair treatment.

The meeting was held at the Mussoorie Municipal Council auditorium under the chairmanship of Municipal Council President Meera Saklani. The agenda focused on identifying eligible street vendors and implementing a systematic plan for their relocation and rehabilitation in accordance with established norms. However, tensions flared when several vendors objected to the process and accused the administration of deliberately pitting vendors against one another.

Allegations by Street Vendors

The protesting vendors claimed that the municipality and local administration were trying to fragment their unity to push through decisions against their interests. They warned that any such attempt would be firmly resisted and reiterated their demand for scrapping the existing Town Vending Committee.

Administration’s Stand

Executive Officer Gaurav Bhasin clarified that the administration would not allow street vending on Mall Road under any circumstances, as it has already been declared a vendor-free zone. He stated that some vendors were adamant about setting up stalls exclusively on Mall Road, which was unacceptable.

“The municipal administration is developing alternative vending zones equipped with basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, and electricity,” Bhasin said. “All eligible street vendors will be properly rehabilitated. However, a few individuals are unnecessarily trying to politicize the issue and disturb public order, which will not be tolerated.”

Strict Warning from SDM

Mussoorie Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rahul Anand said that the process of regulating street vendors was being carried out strictly in line with Town Vending Committee rules. He warned that certain elements were deliberately creating disputes and that the administration was keeping a close watch on them.

“Mall Road will remain completely free of street vending. Any person found setting up a stall there will face strict action as per the law,” the SDM asserted.

Focus on Planned Rehabilitation

Municipal Council President Meera Saklani emphasized that the primary objective of the municipality was the permanent rehabilitation of eligible street vendors. She said that under the TVC framework, vendors were not only being regulated but also being allotted permanent spaces.

She alleged that some individuals were misleading vendors for political gain. “Those who wish to do politics are free to do so, but the municipal administration will not deviate from the rules under any pressure,” Saklani said. Reiterating her firm stance, she added that Mall Road would not be allowed to turn into a vending zone under any circumstances.

Saklani also noted that she had attended the meeting at the request of some vendors to listen to their concerns, but despite this, a section of them created unnecessary disruption. “Indiscipline will not be tolerated,” she said.

Aiming for Better City Image

The municipal president concluded by stating that these measures would significantly improve the experience of tourists visiting Mussoorie and enhance the city’s overall image. “Organizing street vending is essential to make Mussoorie cleaner, more attractive, and better managed,” she said.

Despite the uproar, the administration maintained that the process of identifying eligible vendors and developing organized vending zones would continue without compromise.