Hawkers in Kolkata's New Market stage shutdown against 'footpath encroachment'

Businesses in Kolkata's New Market observed a temporary closure from 1 pm to 3 pm on Wednesday, organized by the Joint Traders Federation to protest against sidewalk encroachment by hawkers. The strike aimed to draw attention to the persistent issue of footpath encroachment affecting permanent shopkeepers.

Despite repeated meetings with Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Town Vending Committee (TVC) officials, the Traders Federation alleges that no effective measures have been taken to curb the problem, leading to shops being closed for the specified duration. The traders point out that the illegal pouring of blacktop on footpaths has made it challenging for customers to navigate the historic market, impacting the business of permanent shopkeepers.

The Traders Federation emphasizes that, as per TVC rules, hawkers are permitted to occupy only one-third of the footpath, and any violation, including applying blacktop, is strictly prohibited. The protest, supported by ten trade associations, including the Hog Market Traders Association, aimed to highlight the uncontrolled hawker presence despite notifications to municipal and police administrations, impacting New Market Square's heritage area.