The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has halted the implementation of its recently proposed street vending regulations to review and amend policies aimed at balancing civic order with the livelihoods of the city’s 62,000 registered street vendors. In a strategic move, the AMC’s standing committee decided to redirect the proposed regulations to its town planning committee for further evaluation and adjustments, prioritising sustainable and inclusive urban growth. The decision reflects AMC’s dedication to fostering a fair and organised system, which addresses both the challenges of urban planning and the welfare of street vendors.
The town vending committee initially formulated new rules for the Street Vending Act in late September. These regulations categorised vending zones within the city into three types: no vending zones, restricted vending zones, and restriction-free zones. The system further proposed guidelines for vending in proximity to government buildings, educational institutions, and heritage sites. To regulate the high-demand areas, a tiered fee structure was suggested, setting monthly charges at Rs 600 for high-demand zones, Rs 400 for medium-demand areas, and Rs 250 for low-demand zones. Additionally, the plan proposed an annual increase of 10% in these fees, with vendors required to hold a five-year vending certificate and ID card costing Rs 2,500, renewable every five years.
For civic order, AMC planned a Rs 2,000 penalty for vendors who operated without authorisation or violated set rules. However, the AMC’s decision to pause implementation highlights the complexity of managing urban spaces fairly while preserving the vendors’ livelihoods. The corporation’s ongoing efforts to enforce regulations for over 60,000 vendors—identified in a 2017 survey—remain integral to a comprehensive street vending plan developed in 2022, yet awaiting enactment. Vendors, local residents, and city planners alike await the revised regulations that could reshape public spaces and vendor operations, sparking a city-wide discussion on fair urban policy.
The review underscores AMC’s focus on sustainable urban development. By organising street vending within a zonal framework, the AMC aims to minimise congestion, preserve public spaces, and enhance pedestrian accessibility. Additionally, prioritising regulated zones near heritage structures helps protect the city’s cultural landmarks. AMC’s move aligns with India’s broader urban sustainability goals, reinforcing the need for policies that ensure city growth while supporting vulnerable communities.
