NDMC plans to free CP of encroachments

To check encroachment by illegal vendors in Connaught Place, NDMC has decided to issue bar code identification licences for its teh bazari (street vending) allottees.
"There are 47 authorised vendors but several others operate under disguise which causes a lot of problems. It becomes difficult to commute through the lanes they are sitting on and minimum space is left for passersby," New Delhi Municipal Council chairperson Jalaj Srivastava said today at an event.
"We have come up with a plan to issue bar code licences, something like a smart card to the authorised hawkers which will help avoid over-crowding," he said.

Describing the modus operandi of illegal vendors, Srivastava said, "These vendors often get photostat copies of the licence of authorised hawkers in the market and operate under their garb."
The authorised vendors also keep changing the areas earmarked for them, he said, adding that the new system will ensure they are not able to change the position where they sit.
Srivastava was speaking at an interactive session organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On the Connaught Place redevelopment plan, the chairperson said the project has been much delayed, which has hurt businesses, both old and new, in the area.

"Almost 80-90 per cent of the renovation is over. Some work is left in the outer circle and shall be over by September 30," he said.
Relocation of petrol pumps to alternate sites, cleanliness and improvement in parking facilities at in Connaught Place were among various issues discussed by Srivastava.