Port Blair, Jan. 24: It has become a practice for some shopkeepers/hawkers of Aberdeen Bazaar to display their old stocks of everyday items such as clothes, utensils, shoes, plastic buckets etc. on the roadside for sale through hawkers on the days of National importance such as Independence Day and Republic Day. Since these old stocks are being sold at very cheap rates, a massive crowd is attracted to this already congested area of Aberdeen Bazaar.
The situation from the point of law and order and public safety is very dangerous as any sort of rumour, quarrel, mischief or even an animal could cause a stampede, resulting in drastic consequences. It is also apprehended that if any fire incident takes place at the time it is impossible for the fire tenders to reach the spot and the situation then would be disastrous. Because of the density and movement of the huge crowd, eve teasing and molestation becomes a temptation to baser elements. In addition, the stretch of the road used is at a steep slope, which is another dangerous factor in case of panic or stampede.
It is imperative not to allow such unchecked hawking in Aberdeen Bazaar area hereafter as this market is becoming popular and the crowd is multiplying. Local residents around the area have also complained of inconvenience and inability to approach or leave their residences.
Hence, it is hereby notified that the regular shopkeepers/traders can display their articles at their respective shops and such articles should not cover the footpath or road in-front of their shops.
The General Public are hereby informed that the sale of merchandized goods/products by the occasional traders/street vendors/hawkers at Aberdeen Bazaar shall not be allowed.
It is further notified that the Market/Bazaar on 26th January, 2012 after conclusion of the Republic Day function, will be at the 1st Circle of ITF Ground, Dairy Farm for the occasional traders/street vendors/hawkers. These hawkers shall sell their goods/products from 06.00 AM to 05.00 PM on 26/01/2012 at the Circle-I of the ITF ground subject to following conditions:-
1. No outward construction or projection on the outer wall/roof of the complex will be allowed. All furnishings should be limited to the inner portion of the stall (excluding cover passage).
2. The Administration will not be responsible for any loss or damage to any material belonging to the hawkers during the allotted period.
3. Functional/displays which may cause discontent to any community, caste, creed or sex will not be allowed.
This is being done to decongest and pedestrianize the main Aberdeen Bazaar and keeping in mind the safety & security of the shoppers, shopkeepers, market place and residents of the area.
It is further clarified that no shopkeeper/vendor would be allowed to put/lay their goods on the footpath/road between Clock Tower and Gandhi Statue. Neither any vehicle will be allowed to ply or parked on the road mentioned above. Residents of the area are requested to keep their vehicles parked beyond Aberdeen Bazaar, Babulane, etc. to cater to any emergency.
General public/shopkeepers etc. are requested to cooperate with the Police/Administration and help execute the new hawking scheme.