The promised vending zones in Guwahati remains unfulfilled as vendors are forced to keep shifting shop in face of frequent eviction
The sound of wailing filled the air as street vendors clung to their carts, desperately trying to save their only source of income. Confusion and fear spread across the crowd as enforcement officers stormed in, wielding sticks and shouting orders. Wooden stalls were overturned, baskets of fruits and vegetables scattered onto the ground, and makeshift tea stalls were smashed apart. Some vendors tried to resist, pleading with the officials, while others stood frozen—watching helplessly as their source of livelihood was reduced to rubble.
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Recently, in a bid to ease traffic congestion, the busy Jalukbari area was officially declared a "no vending, no parking" zone. The regulation, effective from January 7, bans vending and commercial vehicle parking under and above the Jalukbari flyover.
This development came as a continuation of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation's (GMC) plan to create organised vending zones across the city. Yet, for the vendors who rely on the streets for their livelihood, the promise of formal vending zones seems like a distant dream. This report explores into the lives of Guwahati’s street vendors, the municipal corporation's plans, and the burning question: When will these vendors finally have a designated place to call their own?
For the hundreds of street vendors who form the backbone of Guwahati's informal economy, life on the streets is a daily struggle. Many of these vendors rely on their makeshift stalls to make a living, selling everything from flowers and food to household items. However, their livelihoods are threatened by frequent eviction drives. The recent crackdown in the Jalukbari area is just one example of an ongoing series of evictions that have left many vendors scrambling for a place to set up their stalls.
Talking to GPlus, a vendor from Jalukbari, who has been selling on the same spot for years, spoke about the uncertainty he faces: "They told us to clear the area, but where are we supposed to go now? First, we were pushed out from under the bridge, and now we are being evicted from the streets. Before they evict us, they should have figured out where we can go. This is how I feed my family—how will we survive if they keep doing this?"
Another vendor, a father with two young daughters, talking to GPlus said, "I have two daughters who are studying hard, and this is the only income we have. They have big dreams, but if they keep evicting us, how will I make enough money for them to have a better future? One day they warn us, and the next, they don’t even give us a place to go. It feels like we are being treated unfairly."
For these vendors, it’s not just a matter of losing their spot—it’s about survival. The need for stability and certainty in their lives has never been more urgent.
The situation has become even more dire for some vendors. In Ulubari, located near the KFC area, vendors received a warning to vacate their stalls by the night of January 8.
One of the affected vendors in the area talking to GPlus said, "They came without any warning at around 3 p.m. with three vehicles and told us we had to leave by 10 p.m. We have been working here for years, but now they want us out immediately. Where are we supposed to go? How will we survive?"
Another vendor in Ulubari said, "We are not against following the rules, but they need to give us time and a proper place to work. If they just evict us without telling us where we can go, our families will suffer. We do not know where to go next. It’s just impossible to leave without knowing what will happen to us."
Despite these genuine concerns, officials from the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) stand by the evictions, saying that they are necessary for the betterment of the city. A senior GMC official told GPlus: "These street vendors are illegal, and their presence contributes to traffic chaos and congestion. That’s why we’ve had to ask them to vacate these areas. However, we are aware of the challenges and are currently surveying 81 locations across Guwahati to create proper, organised vending zones."
The eviction drives didn’t stop at Jalukbari and Ulubari. On January 25, vendors along SSB Road were also evicted, with little regard for the livelihoods that would be lost. A vendor from Fancy Bazaar explained the uncertainty they face: "We depend on suppliers for goods, and we sell them. That’s how we make a living. Sometimes they evict us, and other times they just stop by and leave. We aren’t the only ones creating chaos in the area—there are many other factors contributing to the problem."
While vendors argue that they aren’t solely responsible for the disruptions, the authorities are adamant that eviction is necessary.
In addition to the general street vendors, flower vendors have also been facing criticism for creating congestion.
In areas like TRP Road in Bharalumukh, these vendors have been accused of blocking building entrances and disrupting the flow of traffic.
Seema, a resident in TRP Road, Bharalumukh said, "These vendors set up shop early in the morning and cause chaos until 8 or 9 a.m. It’s become a real problem because they have started blocking the main gates of buildings. We can’t get in or out easily."
Roshni Didwania, another resident in TRP Road talking to GPlus said, "Because of these flower vendors, our children’s school buses have to wait elsewhere, and they have to walk a long distance to catch them. When we ask the vendors to move, they argue and use foul language. It’s just become too much."
However, the GMC recognises the cultural significance of flower vendors. A senior official explained: "We can’t just remove flower vendors because they supply flowers for religious purposes. Flowers are needed daily. But if they are causing disruption, we will find them a better spot where they won’t create chaos."
The GMC’s long-term solution to these issues involves establishing vending zones throughout the city. In 2023, officials revealed plans to create 120 vending zones across Guwahati, with 60 zones being discussed in each ward. A senior GMC official explained at the time: "The Zonal Vending Committee is working on these plans, and some proposals are still in progress. Once completed, this will offer street vendors a proper space to operate without causing disruptions."
However, progress on these zones has been slow. By December 2024, the GMC had promised that 10 vending zones would be launched in January 2025, but vendors remain sceptical. "We have approved 83 vending zones, but many more still need approval. We are working on finalising the carts for the zones as well," said the official.
Despite the promise of more vending zones, the final list remains uncertain, leaving vendors in limbo. The lack of clarity about when and where these zones will be ready has left many worried about their future.
While the authorities push forward with their vision of an organised, regulated vending system, the reality on the ground is far from ideal. Vendors continue to face eviction without being given proper alternatives, and many are left scrambling for a new place to sell their goods.
The question remains: When will Guwahati’s street vendors finally find a place of their own? Until that day arrives, these vendors will continue to fight for their livelihoods, hoping that the promises of vending zones will one day become a reality.
