Plea to relax no-hawker zone rules till Ramzan

Charminar: Even as GHMC staff has made markings for installing bollards at 50-ft distance in all directions recently, the hawkers who eagerly wait for doing some good business in the month of Ramzan, remain apprehensive about its implementation and wonder if the authorities allow them to do business as usual – at least during the month.

Last week, GHMC Commissioner M Dana Kishore, along with the Additional Commissioner and Director of Charminar Pedestrian Project (CPP) Md Musharraf Ali Faruqui, inspected the Charminar and surrounding areas.

They ordered strict implementation of no-hawker zone in the coming days, by preventing vendors, which is part of development works CPP, under SRDP (Strategic Road Development Programme). About a day before their inspection, the GHMC workers had already earmarked roads and lanes within 50-foot radius of Charminar for installing bollards, which would prevent not only vehicles but also all kinds of push-carts to enter the prohibited zone.

Vendors who spoke to The Hans India said the surrounding of the historic Charminar monument which is an international tourist spot where the visitors come from all over the world remains an important spot for a business.

The GHMC aim to make this hawker free zone would impact their livelihood. "If this is implemented if would impact our bread and butter and we would not be able to fend ourselves. For years, this has remained the main spot for selling knickknacks and other items to tourists who also like our presence," said Mohammed Ismail, a bangle seller.

With Ramzan (Islamic month) approaching, the GHMC has taken a decision and started marking areas. During this month which attracts the tourists and buyers who prefer to choose from a variety of things at a reasonable price, Charminar remains the prime spot which also doubles the prospects of businessmen. "After the GHMC made markings to make this area a hawker-free zone, we, small-time traders, feel helpless", said Shaik Riyaz, a seller of women's items.

Vendors requested that the GHMC relax rules at least till the completion of Ramzan, as they can make some money to chart their future course. "Some of us have been selling items for generations and sudden decision by GHMC to vacate the place would spell doom for our future. More over tourist who come from different places would prefer this kind of local products accessible," said Zubair, who sells bags.

Speaking to The Hans India, the Director of CCP said that the entire area within the radius of 50-foot is being monitored while the work of installation of bollards has already begun. However, he said that there would be some relaxation to traders till the completion of Ramzan.