Suddibindu News, Uttarakannada
Karwar: Street vendors staged a strong protest at the Karwar City Council premises on Monday, expressing outrage over the sudden removal of several roadside vegetable stalls in the city.
The vendors alleged that despite being charged regular fees, their stalls were cleared without any prior notice. They were instructed to relocate near the swimming pool on M.G. Road, a move they strongly opposed.
The protesters questioned, “Who will take responsibility if we suffer losses due to poor business at the new location?” Many of the affected vendors, particularly women from rural areas of Ankola and Karwar, rely on their small grocery businesses to support their families. Vendors who have been running stalls for years in areas like Gandhi Market, Savita Circle, and Shivaji Circle said they are now facing serious hardships.
One angry vendor voiced frustration, saying, “What are we supposed to do if our only source of livelihood is taken away in the name of development?”
The protest saw participation from district street vendors’ association president Fakirappa Bhandari, along with Jeevana Pokale, Mangala Waddar, Sharada, Suvarna, Yamuna, and several others.
The demonstrators demanded that the city council reconsider its decision and make proper alternative arrangements to ensure their livelihoods are not disrupted.
