Arrangements under way for Teppakulam vendors to operate from new space

Arrangements are being made at the newly designated vending zone on Old Madurai Road in Tiruchi, where vendors operating in the Teppakulam area have been shifted. They are expected to resume trading soon.

Following an order from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the areas surrounding the Rockfort Teppakulam have been declared no-vending zones, where street vending and commercial activities are prohibited. The move aims to enhance pedestrian movement and alleviate traffic congestion in the area.

On November 13, the roadside vendors around Teppakulam were shifted to 21,860 sq. ft. of Corporation-owned land near Holy Cross College on Old Madurai Road. About 155 vendors have since occupied the site, each allotted a 6 ft. x 8 ft. space to continue their business. The monthly rent for the allotted space is yet to be finalised by the Corporation.

The civic body has made basic arrangements at the new location, including levelling the ground, installing street lights, and ensuring water supply to ensure that all registered vendors can resume business operations without disruption. Vendors, meanwhile, have begun installing metal frames to set up tent-like structures to protect their goods from the elements. Each tent is expected to cost about ₹6,000.

However, the traders said they have been facing difficulties in completing the installation work, which has delayed the commencement of business.

“It has been 10 days since the vendors were relocated, yet they have not been able to begin business. The Corporation should have made necessary arrangements prior to shifting them. The work will take more than a week to complete and this is affecting the livelihood of the vendors,” said A. Ansardeen, a member of the Town Vending Committee.

He said councillor C. Aravindan had assured them that separate toilets for men and women would be built at the site and the faulty storm-water drain in the area would be repaired using funds allotted to him.