Patna: Street vendors relocated from the JP Ganga Path, popularly known as Marine Drive, due to rising water levels in the Ganga have decided to return to their original location, saying the alternative site provided by the administration has become waterlogged.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Marine Drive Vendors’ Association on Friday. The association said vendors would resume setting up their stalls on the JP Ganga Path until the administration provides a safe, organised and waterlogging-free location.
Designated site becomes waterlogged
The vendors said the administration had assured them that space would be provided at a lower-lying location after they were moved from the Ganga banks. However, they said water from the rising river has now reached the designated area.
They said waterlogging and a lack of basic amenities have made it difficult to conduct business at the site, creating a livelihood crisis for vendors who depend on their daily earnings.
The vendors had previously operated along the banks of the Ganga, but rising water levels have made it increasingly difficult to continue business there.
Association informs municipal corporation
The association said it has informed the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) about its decision through a letter. It maintained that the move was not intended to create difficulties for the administration or the public, but was driven by the need for a suitable place to earn a livelihood.
Association president Manish Kant, vice-president Raman Kumar and secretary Nishant, along with other vendors, have sought a permanent solution, saying repeated relocation is adversely affecting their businesses.
Vendors including Mahadev, Pushkar, Soniv, Munna, Santosh and Vivek have also demanded that waterlogged areas be cleared and a convenient location be provided for their businesses. The vendors said they would remain at their original location until an alternative arrangement is made.
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PMC Offers Alternative
PMC commissioner Yashpal Meena said vendors could shift to the nearby Paryatak Ghat, where a raised platform is available. Meena said the option had also been offered to the vendors earlier, but they had chosen to operate from the riverbank instead.
He said the site previously identified as a vending zone is now part of a parking lot project. The PMC may develop a new vending zone near Atal Path, he added.
