Diwali Market Dispute Erupts on Bhagat Singh Road in Muzaffarnagar; Vendors Oppose Relocation to Town Hall

Muzaffarnagar: A dispute broke out on Thursday between street vendors and the district administration over the temporary Diwali market traditionally set up on Bhagat Singh Road. The administration has refused permission to set up stalls along the road this year and directed vendors to operate from the Town Hall ground, around 400 metres ahead of Shiv Chowk.

The decision triggered protests by street vendors, who expressed concern over the possible loss of business following the change of location.

City Magistrate Deepak Pal, Municipal Health Officer Dr Annu Chaudhary, City Kotwali in-charge Brijesh Sharma and a large police force reached the spot after receiving information about the commotion.

Why Are Street Vendors Opposing the New Location?

Vendors said temporary stalls have traditionally been set up along Bhagat Singh Road during Diwali for several years. They argued that customers are familiar with the existing market location and may not travel to the Town Hall ground to make purchases.

Some vendors also claimed they had spent up to Rs 20,000 each to purchase their temporary stall structures. Relocating the market, they fear, could result in financial losses.

They further pointed out that the market previously operated for five days, whereas only three days remain available for them to conduct business this year. They alleged that the administration did not inform them about the change of location in advance.

What Is the Administration's Reason for the Relocation?

The administration has cited traffic management and public safety concerns behind its decision. City Magistrate Deepak Pal made it clear that no temporary stalls would be permitted in the middle of Bhagat Singh Road this year.

According to him, setting up a market on the road obstructs traffic and increases the risk of accidents. He also warned that such congestion could prevent fire tenders from reaching the area quickly in an emergency.

The administration has therefore arranged space for all vendors at the Town Hall ground and has started registration for stall allotment. Each vendor is being charged a registration fee of Rs 100.

Reported by: Rohit