Dibrugarh: The district administration, in coordination with the Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation (DMC), launched a public awareness campaign on Tuesday to push street vendors operating outside designated vending zones to relocate their stalls within seven days, failing which strict action will be taken under existing municipal laws.Officials fanned out across the city with microphones, announcing the directive in busy commercial areas and urging vendors to comply voluntarily. The campaign is aimed at reducing traffic congestion, maintaining cleanliness and bringing order to the town’s bustling streets — concerns that have persisted for years despite earlier regulatory efforts.DMC Mayor Saikat Patra who has been at the forefront of vending regulation in Dibrugarh issued a firm warning to non-compliant vendors.“Those who fail to shift to the allotted vending zones within the stipulated seven-day period will face strict action as per the rules and regulations in force. We are giving vendors a fair opportunity to comply willingly, but the administration will not hesitate to act,” Mayor Patra said.The awareness drive draws renewed attention to an initiative that dates back to August 2022, when the then Dibrugarh Municipal Board (DMB) notified 28 designated vending zones across 11 prominent roads in the city. Those zones were established under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, with the dual objective of protecting vendors’ livelihoods while streamlining traffic movement.The 28 vending zones were spread across key roads including AT Road, Tarun Ram Phookan Road, Mancotta Road, Paltan Bazar and several Graham Bazar corridors among others. Vendors allotted spaces in these zones are required to register with the municipal authority, carry valid identity cards and adhere to regulations including restrictions on single-use plastic and cleanliness standards.Despite the framework having been in place for nearly four years, a significant number of vendors continued operating outside the designated zones, prompting Tuesday’s intensified outreach.A senior district administration official noted that the administration’s approach remained supportive rather than punitive at this stage. “We want every vendor to earn their livelihood with dignity. The vending zones exist precisely for that purpose. This drive is about making sure every vendor knows where they can legally operate,” the official said.Residents and commuters welcomed the initiative, citing frequent traffic bottlenecks caused by roadside vending in high-footfall areas.Municipal officials said that verification of compliance will begin after the seven-day window closes, and eviction or penalty proceedings will be initiated against those still found operating in non-designated areas.
