Sir,

With reference to the recent letter  titled “Whither Hawkers’ Zones?” by SOM reader Mirza, I would like to bring to the attention of authorities concerned and public that in Darjeeling  a separate street was established for hawkers to do their business and it is one of the tourists’ attractions there. After all, they also have to survive in this tough world facing many odds.

Now that Dasara is over, the MCC authorities may consider creating a similar facility, as at present not only footpath vendors, several shop-keepers are also parking their two-wheelers on the already narrow footpaths of the city, even in busy central area. Shop-keepers have better wisdom than the hawkers and they need to avoid inconveniencing the pedestrians, who are also their customers, and also co-operate with local administration by not using the footpaths as parking area for their vehicles.

– Dr. S.V.N. Vijayendra, Roopanagar, 28.9.2017

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