Guwahati’s streets are a picture of life, chaos, and survival. From food stalls to crowded markets, street vendors bring the city’s energy alive. Yet, in recent times, the same vendors have been caught in a difficult spot. While they form the backbone of daily commerce for thousands of residents, their presence is often seen as a problem—blamed for congested roads, crowded footpaths, and urban disorder.
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To address this, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has announced plans to create vending zones across the city. The idea is to organise street vendors, free up pedestrian spaces, and balance urban development with the vendors’ right to earn a living. However, these promises come amid growing frustration, as eviction drives continue without providing proper alternatives.
The recent eviction of over 100 vendors from Dighalipukhuri’s Khao Galli on October 26, is an example. Popular among locals and visitors, this food hub was shut down to make way for the Dighalipukhuri-Noonmati flyover. For vendors, the closure was sudden and devastating, leaving them struggling to find new spaces to sustain their families.
While GMC officials have spoken about upcoming vending zones, vendors question how long they will have to wait. They wonder if these promises will bring real change or remain just another announcement on paper.
This report explores the lives of Guwahati’s street vendors, the GMC’s plans, and the pressing question—when will these vendors finally find a place of their own?
The promise of organised vending zones has long been in discussion, but its implementation remains questionable. With the GMC planning to establish 120 new vending zones, recent events have sparked fresh debate over how inclusive and effective this initiative will be.
The National Policy on Urban Street Vendors attempts to formalise the informal economy while preventing illegal encroachments that contribute to congestion and pollution (See NOTE).
However, on-ground implementation is where the challenges lie. While vendors across Guwahati have been subjected to eviction drives, their livelihoods are often overlooked in the broader picture of urban transformation.
The November 2023 Scenario: Chaos And Policy Promises
Last year, reports highlighted the growing chaos across Guwahati’s streets. With street vendors occupying footpaths and spilling onto roads, the city became a hotspot for traffic congestion. An investigation by GPlus in November 2023 revealed that pedestrian spaces were disappearing, forcing commuters to navigate through street stalls, vehicles, and clutter.
The GMC responded with a promise: to establish 120 vending zones across the city. A senior GMC official stated, “We will convene a meeting on November 29 with the Zonal Vending Committee to deliberate on the establishment of 60 vending zones in each ward. This initiative aims to create a total of 120 vending zones in Guwahati.”
The announcement came after proposals were submitted by ward councillors, who were tasked with identifying spaces suitable for vendors. At the time, GMC’s statement offered a sense of hope, as it was the first structured move toward addressing the city’s growing vendor population.
Yet, many months later, street vendors continue to struggle with uncertainty.
2024: The Dighalipukhuri Evictions
Fast forward to October 26, 2024 – a day that saw more than 100 food stalls in Dighalipukhuri, popularly known as Khao Galli, being evicted. This street food hub was a beloved part of Guwahati’s evening culture, drawing residents and visitors alike. The eviction was enforced to facilitate the construction of the Dighalipukhuri-Noonmati flyover, a key infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion.
While the authorities argued that the decision was necessary, for the vendors, it spelled the loss of both livelihood and community.
Talking to GPlus, one vendor during the eviction drive said, “It is unfortunate that we have to move from here. We had more than just a market; we had a sense of community. It was an environment where everyone would come in the evening to enjoy some time for themselves and have fun. Now that will be broken, and yes, it’s sad.”
Another vendor in Dighalipukhuri talking to GPlus said, “I am not able to decide what to do or where to go, and the government hasn’t given us any place yet. We are just thinking of moving to Lachit Ghat, even if we have to pay for it. Maybe we could turn it into a ‘Khao Galli’. I understand that it’s not easy for the government to allocate space for all of us, but maybe it’s not that difficult either.”
For many, the displacement was abrupt and left them without a clear alternative. Their temporary relocation plans reflected a desperate attempt to hold onto their livelihoods.
GMC’s 2025 Plans: New Promises, Old Questions
In response to these concerns, a senior GMC official told GPlus that 10 vending zones would be launched in January 2025 as part of the larger plan.
The official further elaborated, “There are 83 vending zones that have been approved, and there are a lot of zones that need to be approved. We will soon plan carts with the same size and everything for the vending zones.”
This announcement seems to be a step forward, yet it raises critical questions about the pace and sincerity of the implementation. The promise of designated vending zones has been circulating since November 2023, and the timeline for their execution remains uncertain. For the street vendors, who rely on daily earnings, every delay translates to financial distress.
Street vendors form an integral part of Guwahati’s economy. From food stalls and garment sellers to daily vegetable markets, they provide affordable products and services to thousands of residents. Yet, their presence is often viewed through a lens of inconvenience, with authorities prioritising urban development over their livelihoods.
For instance, Khao Galli at Dighalipukhuri was not just a business hub but also a cultural landmark. Families and youngsters alike flocked there every evening, turning it into a vibrant public space. Vendors, too, invested years in building their stalls, earning loyal customers and becoming an indispensable part of the local economy.
The sudden evictions disrupted this ecosystem. One vendor reflected on the emotional toll, “It’s going to be very difficult to sustain our families without any income from here.” While the GMC’s vending zone plans are promising on paper, the delays in execution have pushed many vendors to the brink of desperation.
The establishment of vending zones is a necessary step to balance urban development with the rights of street vendors.
The story of Guwahati’s street vendors is a reflection of the city’s struggles with urbanisation. While the GMC’s vending zone plans offer hope, their success will depend on how effectively they are implemented. For the vendors, this is not just about space – it’s about survival, dignity, and the right to earn a living.
As the city moves forward with its development projects, authorities must remember that street vendors are not obstacles to progress but essential contributors to the local economy and culture. Balancing their needs with urban planning is not just a policy goal – it’s a moral responsibility.
With the first batch of vending zones set to launch in January 2025, all eyes will be on the GMC to see whether this promise becomes a reality or fades into yet another bureaucratic delay.
For now, the vendors continue to wait, hopeful yet wary, as they navigate the uncertainty of their daily lives in a rapidly changing city.
NOTE: The National Policy on Urban Street Vendors primarily aims to:
• Register street vendors and issue identity cards to provide legitimacy.
• Monitor and ensure basic facilities for street vendors such as designated vending areas, clean spaces, and waste disposal systems.
• Identify hawking zones – restricted and unrestricted – to balance street commerce with public convenience.
