At a time when the District Collector has asked the street vendors to clear from waysides, it seems that the Museum entrance is exempted from such a directive. One can find a number of vendors blocking the entrance gate as well as the road. Interestingly, this happens right in front of the Museum police station, but till now no action has been taken by the officials concerned.
Regular visitors to Museum have been complaining of the unauthorised street vendors who have occupied space near the East gate. However, there are as many as 9-10 vendors along the short Museum gate - police station stretch. According to officials, the vendors are allowed to function only along the adjacent RKV Road. But the vendors violate the rules and move towards the Museum gate, where they can do better business.
Meanwhile, some motorists too have complained about street vendors who create congestion in the front of the Museum gate, especially during rush hours.
In fact, street vendors are flourishing in the East gate. The sidewalks and the police station entrance are all occupied by those selling ice-creams, juice and other such items. Most of the vendors park their carts right on the road to attract customers. Some of them use bicycles or hand carts, which cause more congestion.
“Authorities concerned should prevent street vendors from operating near the gate of the Museum, that is causing hindrance to visitors,” said a city resident who regularly visits the area. Other visitors also said that the authorities should visit the area and put an end to the illegal vending.
A Museum employee said that the City Corporation authorities and the Traffic Police were not visiting the areas.
When contacted, officials at the Museum police station said that they have been the charging the vendors for illegal parking.
But the vendors claimed that they have received sanction from the City Corporation to function in the place. However, according to the Corporation authorities, the space allotted to the vendors is along the RKV Road.