While Delhi Police, NDMC officials, and hawker mafias play the blame game, the market is getting neglected
Sarojini Nagar, the one-stop shopping destination for Delhiites, is gradually turning into a security hassle as illegal hawkers have encroached upon the pedestrian area. They leave their items unattended on the footpath after the business hours are over, giving rise to serious security and fire-related concerns.
The market, under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), has been popular for quick 'pack-up' ahead of the civic teams' checks to evict hawkers. While Delhi Police, NDMC officials, and hawker mafias play the blame game, the market is getting neglected.
In a letter dated January 20, the Delhi Police wrote to the NDMC, "During the evening patrolling in Sarojini Nagar market to check the arrangements for the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations, it has been noticed that the hawkers or tehbazaari holders are leaving their material on the road or footpath unattended after closing down their business. As per the terms and conditions of tehbazaari, such unattended material and stocking of the same on the road or footpath after sunset or closing of business is not allowed. Besides this, it is a threat to security and increases chances of fire."
"In this regard, it is requested to kindly arrange a joint encroachment removal programme in the night, so that the unattended material may be removed from the spot. Necessary police assistance would be provided," it added.
Confirming that they have received a letter from the Delhi Police, a senior NDMC official said, "We received a letter from the Delhi Police stating that vendors leave their stuff at night but that has to be removed. We are taking necessary action against the erring hawkers."
The market has been struggling with security issues as regular incidents of fire, eve-teasing, and pickpocketing are being reported from the area. According to Pramod Sharma, President of the Sarojini Market Shopkeepers' Association, their plight has not been noticed because of the political pressure on authorities.
"There are hawkers, mafia who get support from political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). That is why the NDMC is not taking any action," Sharma said.
A few days ago, some hawkers beat an Enforcement Inspector and officials who had come to evict the illegal vendors from the market.
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