CM firm on eviction of street vendors
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, May 07 2011: Sticking to the government's decision, CM, Ibobi today said that the footpaths of the streets in Imphal cannot be converted into stalls or sites for street vendors and that the government will not be able to provide space for the ever increasing number of street vendors.

Speaking as chief guest at the opening function of a flagship programme training organized by the NSUI, Manipur at Congress Bhavan, the CM said that government has taken up the eviction drive after due considerations for the convenience of the people.

The CM said, government well understands that many persons earn their daily bread by selling their wares in Imphal's markets but the government has not given them freedom to occupy the footpaths and cause inconvenience to lakhs of people who commute to Imphal every day.

Reacting to the 48-hour general strike, Ibobi said that the protesting vendors should not think that for such a minor matter, the government will change its decision.

He justified the government's decision saying that the licenced vendors had been shifted to the three newly constructed women markets, and the remaining licenced vendors had been provided seats in the temporary market sheds vacated by them.

However, many more unlicenced vendors emerged and demanded lots and the government had provided them space at the Lamphel shopping complex.

Beyond this how can the government keep on providing space to the ever increasing number of vendors, the CM asked.

Imphal is not like Delhi where there is enough space to expand to accommodate an ever increasing number of people, and that "We have to use the little space available economically," he said asserting that government is working out plans to develop other market places at Lamlong, Singjamei, Kwakeithel, Chingmeirong.

etc.

When the construction of inter-state bus terminus at Khuman Lampak is completed the place would be an ideal shopping place, he said informing that government is considering for developing a shopping place at Chingmeirong Khongnang Ani Karak.

Apart from this, government has got a sanction of ' 72 crore for construction of another multi-storey marketing place after shifting the Tombisana High School located opposite to the state assembly.

The CM blamed past government's for the present congestion in then Imphal area saying that it was due to lack of proper planning by the then governments.

He pointed out that past governments had constructed shops along the sides of BT road, Nagamapal road, Uripok side of the BT road and allotted them to individuals.

They had even reserved land for vendors.

While giving licences to the vendors, they gave it in their vested interests by selecting relatives and those closest to MLAs and ministers.

They had not followed any rules while issuing the licences to vendors, he said.

Another problem being confronted today is that of parking lots.

Over 1.80 lakhs vehicles are on the road in Imphal area but there is no sufficient parking space.

With the increasing number of vehicles, traffic congestion will remain as a bane for the government, the CM said.

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