It has been over forty years since Usha Uthup, a renowned Indian pop singer, sang about Kolkata’s beauty despite its challenges. In her song, she highlighted issues like political rallies, hawkers blocking footpaths, power cuts, and traffic problems. Despite these obstacles, she praised the city’s beauty.
Uthup’s song contrasted Kolkata’s charm with its growing urban issues, particularly the hawker economy. Recent eviction drives have targeted roadside hawkers in commercial areas. Pedestrians often face difficulties due to vendors occupying sidewalks in busy places like Esplanade and Gariahaat.
The presence of hawkers selling various goods, from clothing to food, has been a common sight in Kolkata. While they offer cheaper alternatives to branded products, their encroachment on sidewalks poses challenges for commuters. The city’s bustling areas like Camac Street and College Street attract vendors, leading to congestion and obstructed emergency access.
Most hawkers in Kolkata are migrants who rely on street vending for their livelihood. However, their presence has caused issues like traffic congestion, sanitation problems, and limited emergency access. To address these issues, authorities have initiated eviction drives in commercial zones to restore pedestrian space and traffic flow, though facing resistance from hawker associations.
Kolkata’s ongoing efforts to decongest and beautify the city aim to address the challenges highlighted in Uthup’s song. The city’s transformation requires overcoming these obstacles to truly showcase its beauty.
