Samba, Oct 14:
Local shopkeepers in Samba are expressing growing concern over the increasing presence of outside vendors who have set up temporary stalls and faddis across key commercial areas of the town during the ongoing festive season.
Residents report that outsiders have occupied stretches of Main Bazaar, Link Road, Border Road, and even the Main Chowk, selling items such as bangles, dry fruits, and festive goods — all without any permanent shops or valid permissions.
Shopkeepers allege that these temporary vendors are encroaching upon pavements, link roads, and even parts of the main carriageways, leading to severe traffic congestion and obstructing pedestrian movement.
“Local traders have invested heavily in stock for the festive season, yet customers are being diverted to makeshift faddis operating without licence or oversight. Earlier, these vendors were allowed to sell only in the Sunday Market, but now they’ve spread to every corner of the town,” a local businessman said.
Many locals are questioning how these vendors were allowed to occupy public spaces, especially on congested roads such as Link Road and Border Road, which already face heavy traffic & Traffic Jams.
Residents have appealed to the District Administration and Municipal Authorities to take immediate action by vacating encroached areas and ensuring that business activity is carried out only at designated spaces such as the Sunday Market or new bus stand.
“We’re not against anyone earning their livelihood, but it should be done in an organized manner that doesn’t harm the interests of local shopkeepers or cause inconvenience to the public,” said another trader.
Citizens have urged the administration to enforce municipal norms and restore order in Samba’s key markets before the festive rush peaks further.
It’s the request of the Samba Times to the administration that kindly provide space to these outside vendors at new bus stand or any other open area in which the sell their products and don’t encroach on the interest of the local shopkeepers.
