The Kannur Corporation is set to proceed with plans to remove street vending stalls from Payyambalam Beach following the monsoon season, driven by public health concerns linked to the spread of communicable diseases. Mayor P. Indira emphasized the need for action,citing the unhygienic conditions at roadside food stalls,which pose significant risks,particularly during the rainy season when food safety is harder to maintain.
As part of the initiative, the Corporation intends to rehabilitate legitimate street vendors by issuing them licenses. Mayor Indira mentioned that a meeting with representatives from the United Democratic Front (UDF) will be convened prior to the implementation of this decision. The first phase of the plan involves the removal of closed and abandoned stalls starting Friday, with broader strategy to relocate all roadside vendors after the monsoon.
a preliminary list of eligible vendors has already been compiled,with estimates suggesting that fewer than 30 vendors qualify as genuine street hawkers. She raised concerns about irregularities in the current street vending system,alleging that many operators pay between ₹600 and ₹800 daily to individuals who have encroached on public land and are illegally subletting spaces. This has led to a system that,she claims, has become largely benami operation, with only a small fraction of vendors relying on street vending as their primary
The Corporation plans to extend legal benefits and support to those vendors who genuinely depend on street vending for their livelihoods. rehabilitation strategy aims to create a uniform and organized vending area within Payyambalam Beach . However,the relocation process will only commence after monsoon, as maintaining hygienic food preparation and sales during the rainy season is deemed unfeasible, even for responsible vendors.
In addition to the street vending initiative,Mayor Indira announced plans to introduce mini air-conditioned buses to connect major tourist destinations within Corporation limits. This proposal,first mentioned in previous budget, aims to reduce the number of private vehicles entering the city and enhance connectivity between attractions such as Payyambalam Beach,the Fort area,Ezhara Beach, and local temple tourism circuits. Given the narrow roads leading to Payyambalam, only minibuses are considered suitable for this service.
Preliminary discussions with the Regional Transport Office have already taken place,and Mayor indicated that the proposal will be pursued more vigorously after the monsoon. A feasibility study is currently underway to determine the operational model before the project is finalized. Although budget provisions have been allocated, the project has yet to reach implementation stage. Mayor expressed a commitment to ensure that new bus service emphasizes employment of women as bus staff.
