Darjeeling: Social and environmental organisations protest over Chowrasta hawkers' mart plan

Our strength is 106. There are rumours that we rented out our space or sold it to other individuals, says a hawker

The earlier site at Mall Road, Darjeeling, from where hawkers were removed.: The Telegraph

Vivek Chhetri, TT, Darjeeling, 28.12.23  : Plans to build a hawkers’ market at Chowrasta, Darjeeling’s most famous square, have run into a protest wall.

Social and environmental organisations on Wednesday filed a police complaint against the proposal and have also decided to approach the Calcutta High Court on the issue soon.

“We had filed a case against the construction of the hawkers’ market at the same spot in 2014. The issue is still sub judice. We are in touch with our lawyers to bring this issue to the notice of the court,” said Bharat Prakash Rai, general secretary, Federation of Societies for Environment Protection (FOSEP).

In 2014, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee laid the foundation stone for the market which prompted the citizens of Darjeeling to approach court.

The fresh round of controversy erupted after Anit Thapa, chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), decided to remove 106 hawkers along the Mall, who had been temporarily given space there in 2014, from April 1 to 3 early this year given the G20 meetings in Darjeeling.

The cleaning of Mall Road was widely appreciated by the general public.

These 106 hawkers were again given “temporary space” at Gorkha Rangmanch Bhavan, also called Bhanu Bhawan. The hawkers, however, complained there was no business from the Gorkha Rangmanch area and demanded resettlement in the Chowrasta area.

“We, in collaboration with the GTA, started work yesterday (Wednesday) to set up a hawkers’ market. We designed the structure so that it would not affect the environment or obstruct the view. It will only be an iron deck about three to four feet below the road,” said Dipendra Thakuri, chairman, Darjeeling municipality.

When asked about the sub judice case, Thakuri said he was aware some cases had been filed in the past. “The hawkers as per law also have a right to conduct business. However, we also understand the sentiments of the people. We have decided to stop work for a few days before we find a way out,” said Thakuri.

The issue has its roots in 2012 when the Bimal Gurung-controlled Darjeeling municipality decided to remove hawkers from the Nehru Road area that has popular eateries like Glenary’s.

Gurung’s move paved the way for the construction of commercial shops in the area.

These hawkers were then settled on the road leading from Chowrasta to Alice Villa. Municipality records say 28 hawkers got temporary space at Mall Road.

However, the number of these hawkers has grown to 106. “Our strength is 106. There are rumours that we rented out our space or sold it to other individuals,” said a hawker.

Many in the hills are against the construction of the market. “If the construction goes on, we will bring out a students’ rally in protest,” said a protester.

Hawkers, in turn, have threatened to protest in front of the homes of protesters.

Courtesy & source- The Telegraph