Street vendors protest eviction from Batla House as protest enters day 7
For the past six days, street vendors have been staging a peaceful protest at Okhla Head against their eviction from Batla House. Many vendors have called the eviction inhumane, saying it has severely impacted their livelihoods. In contrast, local residents have supported the authorities’ decision to dismantle encroachments from Batla House, a busy road.
Eviction illegal
Shakeel Ahmed, secretary of the Delhi Pradesh Street Vendors Association, who is leading the protest with other vendors, told reporters that the eviction is illegal. “We sent a letter to the authorities, and when no solution came, we decided to sit on a protest at Okhla Head,” he said.
When asked about claims that street vendors were causing traffic jams in Batla House, Ahmed responded that vendors were not to blame. “The traffic congestion is not caused by vendors. The real reason is the lack of traffic signals and the large number of e-rickshaws operated by unemployed people in the area. If items are placed in the middle of the road, that’s wrong, but the market association wants vendors removed for their own benefit,” he said.
Vendors are a major cause of traffic jams
Waseem Khan, a representative of the market association, rejected these allegations. “Vendors are a major cause of traffic jams. When allowed to operate freely, they park their stalls anywhere, causing chaos. The eviction is actually good for the locality,” he said.
The vendors, meanwhile, argued that they are poor people trying to earn a livelihood for their families and should not be penalised for doing so. One vendor pointed out that vehicles are often parked along the roadside, contributing to encroachment, but there is no action against these vehicles or the growing number of workshops in Abul Fazal Enclave and surrounding areas.
Traffic jams, encroachment, and the growing number of roadside workshops are major issues in the locality. For years, residents have been calling for strict action. They lament that whether it is eateries, shopkeepers, e-rickshaws, or illegally parked cars, all contribute to the chaos in the area.
Humane solution
A resident emphasised the need for a humane solution to this ongoing issue, suggesting that leaders, NGOs, and local authorities should come together to brainstorm a resolution that allows vendors to continue their business without suffering. Over time, there have been suggestions to designate specific areas for street vendors, which would help them earn a livelihood while also addressing the issue of congestion in the area.
A few years ago, some activists launched a campaign to remove roadside encroachments, urging shopkeepers — particularly along the AFE-Kalindi Kunj road — to stop placing their goods in a way that narrowed the widened road. However, the campaign was unsuccessful.
Even after many years, the roads in Jamia Nagar are still crowded with shopkeepers and eateries illegally occupying the road. Once a quiet area two decades ago, Jamia Nagar has transformed over years. Now more people have moved in, seeking security and a favourable environment in the area. However, basic civic amenities have not improved over time. Observers of Okhla attribute the area’s encroachment issues to widespread illiteracy and a lack of civic awareness among many of its residents. People park their vehicles on the roads and stand outside eateries, enjoying their food, oblivious to the inconvenience they are causing to other residents.
Awareness campaign
Activist Javed Ali told the OT that improving the situation requires residents to collaborate and raise awareness, not only among vendors but also vehicle owners. He stressed that, for the benefit of everyone, they must stop overcrowding the roads and causing hardship to others through encroachment. “Religious organisations should step in and launch an awareness campaign, which should run for several days,” he said. “Regarding vendors’ grievances, a humane approach is needed to ensure these people don’t end up jobless due to the restrictions imposed on them,” he said.
