The City Corporation has imposed a ban on street vending in the Fort area in and around Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The ban has been enforced in connection with a proposal submitted by the police to create a security ring around the temple following the discovery of a treasure trove of gold and other valuables in its underground vaults.
A press note quoting Corporation secretary K. Biju said hawking would not be allowed along the western side of the road from Pazhavangady junction to Attakulangara junction, northern side of the road from Attakulangara to Kothalam junction, eastern side of the road from Kothalam junction to Punnapuram fort and the southern side of the road from Punnapuram Fort to Pazhavangady, completing the circuit around the temple. The area within the security ring would be out of bounds for hawkers.
The press note said violation of the ban order would invite summary eviction without notice at the expense of the vendor.
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Mr. Biju said the Corporation had initiated the process of identifying alternative locations for hawkers during the peak shopping season that coincides with the Onam festival. “Hawking zones will be identified in consultation with the police. Street vending in these zones would be limited to four or five days. The vendors would be required to submit applications.
“They would be issued licence only after police verification.”
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Corporation sources said one side of the Thakaraparambu road and Central Theatre road and the southern side of the Attakulangara- Eenchakkal road, as well as a portion of the Putherikandam maidan were likely to be converted into temporary hawking zones.