KMC targets 58,000 hawkers for CoV, tightens watch on illegal encroachments in Burrabazar

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has accelerated the issuance of Certificates of Vending (CoV) to bring footpath traders under a regulated framework, targeting 58,000 legitimate hawkers across the city. Member, Mayor-in-Council Debasish Kumar said the civic body aims to provide legal recognition to all surveyed and verified vendors so they can conduct business without fear of eviction or harassment.

According to the civic administration, the certification drive is being carried out in phases based on surveys already completed. The CoV will grant hawkers the right to operate in designated spaces under prescribed rules and within fixed time frames. “Our goal is to provide Certificates of Vending to all 58,000 legitimate hawkers so they can carry out business legally,” Debasish Kumar said, adding that the initiative aligns with state and central government policies on street vendor protection.

At the same time, the corporation has intensified monitoring of illegal encroachments, particularly in the busy commercial hub of Burrabazar. The area witnesses heavy daily footfall, and unregulated vending has often led to congestion and inconvenience for pedestrians and traders. Civic officials said steps will be taken against new or unauthorised encroachments that fall outside the surveyed list.

Municipal sources said the CoV process includes identity verification, allocation of designated vending zones and planning that considers traffic flow and public convenience. Hawkers granted certificates will be required to adhere strictly to location and timing norms, failing which their certificates may be revoked.

While the corporation maintains that the objective is to create order rather than disrupt livelihoods, hawker unions have welcomed the move for permanent identification and protection from repeated eviction drives. The effectiveness of distinguishing between legal and illegal vendors, particularly in high-density areas, will determine how successfully the plan reduces congestion and ensures balanced urban management.