Web Live News

Amid the pandemic, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority has allowed vendors to set up stalls between 4 pm and 10 pm inside Mahila Haat.

Vendors at the Darya Ganj Sunday Book Bazaar set up their stalls on the footpath in front of the North Corporation’s (NDMC) Mahila Haat around 2 pm, only to be vacated from the spot two hours later by civic officials. Amid the pandemic, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority has allowed vendors to set up stalls between 4 pm and 10 pm inside Mahila Haat.

Numerous sellers said the new timings are badly arranged for them. Qamar Saeed, leader of the Darya Ganj Patri Sunday Book Bazaar Welfare Association, stated, “We have kept in touch with different specialists mentioning that they permit us to set up the bazaar from 6 am to 6 pm, as those are the most appropriate timings for us.”

A year ago, the market was removed from the trails of Asaf Ali Road by the North MCD as the zone was pronounced a non-selling zone. After a concurrence with the metro body, it was moved to Mahila Haat over the street for a fixed lease.

Radhe Shyam (50), a merchant who originates from Noida, stated, “It has been hard for as long as not many months as the number of clients has been low. These timings don’t bode well as the vast majority don’t come around evening time.” Earning Rs 500-600 on Sunday, he said he needs around that much cash to take the books back.

Another seller Arun Kumar Pandey (24) stated, “There has scarcely been any group… We used to acquire in thousands every day prior to the lockdown – presently we make just around Rs 2,000.” Sharada Prasad (51) added, “These timings have cut business. That is the reason we set up slows down in the city.”

The NDMC said the merchants opposed going inside the Haat when it was opened around 3.30 pm, saying they needed better timings. “A tussle of sorts resulted, and the sellers must be taken out from the roads as they are not approved to set up the market there,” said an authority.

The authority said the solicitation for the adjustment in timings is getting looked at. “At the present time, all week after week advertises have the fixed planning of 4 pm-10 pm in particular,” he said.

Merchant Saeed said the lockdown has been unforgiving and they shouldn’t be hassled for attempting to procure their business: “We have endless bills to pay… We have taken a stab at advising specialists to permit inside by 2.30 pm-3 pm as setting up our slows down requires some serious energy. Additionally, understudies – huge numbers of the ladies – don’t care to come to Darya Ganj around evening time.”