TTD determined to tackle hawker menace through use of an exclusive software

The mushrooming of unauthorized hawkers and pavement dwellers at Tirumala that houses at the hill temple of Lord Venkateswara has become a grave cause of concern to the TTD as it poses a great risk to the safety of the pilgrims, their movement and the spiritual ambience of the town. 

Even though the hawker menace and sprouting of unauthorized pavement shops is not new to TTD, the alleged growing nexus between the lower rung officials and political fixers in sheltering the unauthorized persons and growing calls for a swift and stern action, has pushed the TTD management to take permanent measures to stop the menace.

Despite the repeated directions of the top TTD officials to clear illegal encroachments and safeguard the hill shrine, the unauthorized hawkers are surprisingly found to have been regularised.

Taking cognizance of the fact that scores of pavement stalls are operating without any official sanction, amid flagging reports to public safety and order by the vigilance officials, TTD Additional Executive Officer (Additional EO) Chowdary constituted a special task force to clear the illegal establishments, which unfortunately failed to act decisively. Instead, fresh allegations were heaped against it for allegedly facilitating new stalls at vantage points.

The issue gained attention, when dozens of illegal pavement shops sprang up near Varahaswamy Rest House recently. Ironically, it was the same place where TTD Chairman BR Naidu had ordered for clearing the encroachments when the rampant issue of encroachments was brought to his notice. Expressing sharp displeasure at the officials he also had ordered for the immediate transfer of an official of the cadre of Assistant Executive Officer, who it was alleged was the kingpin behind the entire mess. 

Speaking exclusively to The Hindu, Mr. Chowdary underlined the urgent need for streamlining the hawker menace which he said has the potential to derail the functioning of the institution if not addressed in time. 

TTD is toying with the concept of ‘Smart Tirumala-Smart Traffic’ and is also contemplating to exclusively allocate a separate place for the hawkers to do their business.

A software is also being developed to weed out the menace and ensure a permanent solution to all related issues. Prima facie, the details of the hawkers, nature of business, payments and dues if any will be incorporated in the portal and checked on a regular basis. Geotagging facility also will be incorporated to ensure that the hawkers do not indulge in the business in the areas other than allocated to them. Though the portal is by and large ready, it is felt that a little more customisation is required and once the compilation is sourced it will be made accessible to the concerned departments.

Reiterating that the hawkers will be permitted to do their business only at the places allocated to them Mr. Chowdary said any violation will be viewed seriously. He also said that he was aware of the sensitivity of the issue and that will not succumb to any kind of political pressure.