Dimapur, May 10 (MExN): The Tenants and Business Welfare Association (TBWA), Naga Shopping Arcade Supermarket Dimapur has expressed its strong opposition to the proposal for shifting food cart vendors to Super Market, Dimapur.
In a representation to the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, the Association cited various reasons to justify its opposition, while maintaining at the same time that it is not against young unemployed Naga entrepreneur carrying out street vending business.
The proposal was reportedly made by the Dimapur Urban Council Chairman's Forum (DUCCF).
Disagreeing with the proposal, the Association, among others, contended that the Super Market is a busy centred-zone and had been well-planned to carry on business by the registered members.
It is made sure by the Development Authority of Nagaland (DAN) that all possible nuisance and disturbance are curbed within its area in the interest of the business community of Naga Shopping Arcade, it maintained.
The TBWA further pointed out that it still face challenges during festive season whenever the authority issues permits for night carnival beginning from the month of October to January, causing huge loss to the established business community
Moreover during such season, many complaints such as stealing of goods and break opening of properties occur, it maintained, adding that it could also become a “den for goons for fostering unwanted activities.”
Accordingly, the Association expressed “strong apprehension” that shifting of street food vendors/stalls to Super Market would have negative impact upon the business community and more so as the stalls operates during late night hours.
The night stalls encourages the indiscipline youths to engage in similar activities that are done during night carnival such as drinking alcohol, loud music, unorganised gatherings, littering the disposal and waste as per their conveniences, causing traffic congestion, the TBWA claimed,
“Therefore, shifting of stall s to Super Market will have similar negative affect that is presently causing at City Tower Dimapur,” it added.
The Association is also in the process of submitting a representation to the DC office requesting to discontinuation of permission to the night carnival group to organise at Super Market from this year, it further highlighted.
To this end, it stated that if the proposal by the “DUCCF without consulting the concerned stakeholder” is implemented, it would be “strongly opposed and unacceptable.”
To protect and safeguard the interest of the tenants and business owner's properties and the welfare of the surrounding public living in and around supermarket, the concerned authority is requested to reconsider the proposal, it added.
The representation appended by TBWA President, Pukhaho Yeptho and Convenor, Action Committee Aito Awomi, thus, requested the DC Dimapur relocate the street vendors/stalls to another area as their designated place, instead of Super Market.
