Dibrugarh traders accuse municipal body of selective action against poor vendors over footpath encroachment

Allegations of selective enforcement by the Dibrugarh Municipal Board have sparked criticism from traders and local organisations, who claim that the civic body's anti-encroachment drive disproportionately targets poor street vendors while overlooking alleged encroachments by affluent business establishments.

According to the allegations, the municipal board's enforcement team has been using bulldozers to remove roadside stalls and seize or destroy the goods of small vendors, many of whom rely on daily earnings from selling vegetables, fruits and other essentials. Witnesses also claimed that balloons being sold by a child vendor were confiscated during one such drive.

In contrast, organisations alleged that several established businesses in areas such as Marwari Patti have encroached upon public footpaths by stacking sacks of potatoes, salt and other goods, preventing pedestrians from using the walkways. Some traders have also allegedly installed permanent iron railings to block footpaths without obtaining permission from the authorities.

Similar allegations have been raised from Jalukpara, where some business establishments are accused of using public roads in front of their shops as parking areas or garages for motorcycles, further restricting public access.

Trader bodies and local organisations alleged that while the civic administration remains "silent" on violations by influential and financially well-off businessmen, it has adopted a tough approach against economically vulnerable hawkers struggling to earn a livelihood.

"The bulldozer is used against poor vendors fighting for two meals a day, while encroachments by influential traders go unchecked," members of the organisations alleged, accusing the municipal board of adopting a "double standard" in its enforcement policy.

The organisations have urged the Dibrugarh Municipal Board to take uniform action against all illegal encroachments, irrespective of the financial or social status of those involved, and warned that the alleged discriminatory approach would not be accepted by the people of the town.

The Dibrugarh Municipal Board has not yet responded to the allegations. Its response is awaited.