Patna: A state-backed initiative to create designated vending zones across Bihar is reshaping the lives of thousands of street vendors, offering them secure and permanent spaces to trade. The scheme, implemented under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), has already established 25 vending zones, rehabilitating 1,685 vendors who previously faced constant uncertainty and the threat of eviction.
The Bihar government has been systematically rolling out vending zones across municipal areas, ensuring that vendors can operate without disruption. Patna alone has seen the creation of 17 vending zones, while others have been set up in Sitamarhi, Bihiya, Bhagalpur, Motihari, Darbhanga, and Buxar. Officials say these designated spaces are not only improving livelihoods but also contributing to a more organized urban landscape.
The initiative is led by the Urban Development and Housing Department, in collaboration with municipal corporations. Authorities have been using GIS mapping to survey vendor locations and identify suitable vending and no-vending areas, considering factors such as traffic flow and population density. Planning and execution are overseen by the Town Vending Committee, which includes representatives of vendors, traders, and traffic officials.
To ensure smoother operations, vending zones are categorized using a colour-coded system—red, green, and white—to regulate activities and maintain order. Local authorities have also intensified monitoring efforts to prevent unauthorized vending and encroachments.
Legal backing for the initiative comes from The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, along with state-specific rules introduced in 2017. These laws provide vendors with legal recognition and protection, shielding them from harassment and eviction.
