Kolkata: The NKDA has started building around 800 stalls, in addition to the existing 900 ones, to rehabilitate hawkers evicted from unauthorised spots in the township.
NKDA has launched a survey to count hawkers. An official said the state IT department had come up with an app for KMC, BMC, NDITA and NKDA to identify street vendors and prepare a list of those to be rehabilitated.The survey will include mapping with the help of drones. “We have rehabilitated around 900 hawkers in new stalls. The plan is to set up another 800 stalls, which will take the total number to about 1,700. The new stalls are expected to be ready by puja,” said an NKDA official. “But there are around 2,000 more hawkers in New Town.” According to the plan, 200 of the new stalls will be set up along the canal in Action Area III E and another 200 will be added to the existing hawker rehabilitation market adjacent to TCS Gitanjali Park in Action Area II F.
NKDA had formed a provisional town vending committee for better management of hawkers. “While clearing encroachment is necessary, it is also important NKDA provides hawkers suitable rehabilitation options,” said New Town Citizens’ Welfare Fraternity secretary Samir Gupta.