In a significant move towards urban regulation, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has announced the introduction of advanced technology aimed at tackling the issue of illegal street vendors. With this initiative, city residents can finally hope for a respite from the congestion and disorder caused by unregistered vendors occupying public spaces.
To streamline the vending system and curb illegal activities, the MC is implementing a comprehensive monitoring system that begins with the issuance of smart identification cards to all registered vendors. This innovative approach is set to restore order to the city’s vending ecosystem through cutting-edge technologies. It includes hologram-embedded certificates, chip-based ID cards, geofencing of designated vending zones, a mobile tracking app, and real-time CCTV surveillance.
The need for such measures became apparent following a 2016 survey which revealed a total of 10,903 registered street vendors across Chandigarh. Fast forward to today, that number has shrunk significantly to only 4,032, primarily due to the cancellation of licenses for 6,871 vendors who failed to clear their dues to the MC. This group of defaulters owes a staggering ₹75 crore in unpaid fees, with 2,352 vendors not having paid even once. The continuous surge of illegal vendors has raised alarm among city councillors, who have expressed concerns over the obstruction of sidewalks and public areas, hindering the ability of both pedestrians and local shopkeepers to navigate freely.
Despite earlier efforts by the MC to enforce regulations and eliminate unregistered vendors, illegal activity persists throughout Chandigarh. Sectors, famously known for being no-vending zones since 2019, still suffer from unauthorized vendors operating without hindrance. This situation has compelled the current municipal commissioner, Amit Kumar, to initiate robust measures to restore public order.
As part of this strategy, the MC is issuing special hologram-embedded certificates to all duly registered street vendors. These certificates will serve as an authenticity verification tool, enabling authorities to quickly identify unauthorized vendors infiltrating designated vending areas. Joint Commissioner Sumit Sihag emphasized the importance of these measures, explaining that if an illegitimate stall is spotted, it can be efficiently addressed thanks to the new technology.
Conducting regular inspections has also become a priority. The municipal commissioner has mandated that the joint commissioner personally carry out surprise inspections to tackle any unauthorized activities head-on. In a recent operation at the Sector 15 Patel Market, 52 challans were issued to encroachers on the spot, exemplifying the MC’s commitment to enforcing order.
The specific technologies being deployed are especially noteworthy. Each registered vendor will receive a tamper-proof certificate with an embedded hologram, resistant to tearing or alteration. This ensures that vendors can be immediately identified, which deters illegal vending effectively.
The smart ID cards are another crucial element of this initiative. Containing vital information about the vendor—such as their authorized vending location, license category, and permitted product types—these cards facilitate efficient verification by enforcement officials. Scanning them allows for rapid confirmation of a vendor’s legitimacy.
Geofencing technology marks a transformative advancement in monitoring vendor compliance. Each registered vendor will be tagged to a specific geographical zone authorized for vending. Any attempt to operate outside of this zone will trigger an immediate alert, ensuring quick action by enforcement teams to curb illegal activity.
In addition to these technologies, a mobile tracking app has been developed by the Society for Promotion of IT in Chandigarh (SPIC). This app enables real-time tracking of vendor locations, allowing enforcement officials to remain vigilant and ensure that vendors are operating within their designated areas. Moreover, CCTV cameras installed at key vending zones will provide real-time monitoring, supervised from a central control room, allowing officials to respond to irregular activities swiftly.
The pilot program will focus on three of the city’s busiest markets—Sector 15, Sector 19, and Sector 22—where the enforcement measures will be tested and optimized.
This comprehensive initiative signifies a forward-thinking approach by the Chandigarh MC to restore order and transparency to the city’s vending system. By integrating advanced technology with clear enforcement strategies, the MC hopes to not only regulate street vending but also enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Residents of Chandigarh can anticipate a cleaner, more organized urban environment as these measures take effect. The collaborative efforts between the municipal corporation, law enforcement, and technology integration set a precedent for other urban areas grappling with similar challenges. As the city gears up to implement these smart solutions, there is a collective hope that Chandigarh will emerge as a model for effective urban management, gradually transforming its public spaces for the better.
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