Stores to be Sealed if Hawkers Set Up in Front, High-Resolution CCTV Cameras to be Installed in Chauta Bazaar

Surat. The Mayor now appears to be in full action mode regarding the increasing pressure of encroachment (illegal carts and hawkers) and filth in the city. Following Varachha, the Mayor has now intensified the drive to remove encroachments in Surat’s historic Chauta Bazaar and Kot area.

The Mayor has issued a clear warning that if any shopkeeper allows hawkers, cart vendors, and street sellers to set up in front of their shop, the concerned shop will be sealed.

Recently, a letter was written to the Mayor raising the question that if encroachment pressure from hawkers and cart vendors can be removed in Varachha, why is action not being taken in Chauta Bazaar.

Following this letter, the Mayor took personal interest and made a surprise visit to Chauta Bazaar on Thursday with the Police Commissioner and the Surat Municipal Corporation team. On the spot, the Mayor himself took the microphone and sternly explained the situation to the hawkers and shopkeepers.

Addressing the shopkeepers, the Mayor said, “We have come to explain, not to force. Do not allow any cart vendor or person selling goods by laying out a mat to sit in front of your shop. If pressure is found in front of your shop, the Municipal Corporation team will directly seal your shop.”

The Mayor announced that high-resolution CCTV cameras will be installed in all four directions of Chauta Bazaar. These cameras will be monitored from the Municipal Corporation’s control room. If pressure or encroachment is seen in the cameras, the police and corporation team will immediately reach the spot and take action.

Seeing the filth spread in Chauta Bazaar, the Mayor expressed displeasure. He said that Surat ranks first in cleanliness in the entire country, yet the sight of piles of garbage on the roads here is a matter of concern. The Mayor said that if customers throw garbage in front of shops, it is also the responsibility of the shopkeepers to stop them.

Finally, reassuring the shopkeepers, the Mayor said that the Municipal Corporation’s objective is not to shut down anyone’s business. “You carry on your work peacefully, the Surat Municipal Corporation is with you, but it is essential to keep the road clear. Blocking the entire road will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Chauta Bazaar

Chauta Bazaar is a historic and bustling traditional market located in the heart of Bhuj, Gujarat, India. It was originally established centuries ago and is known for its narrow lanes and shops selling a wide array of items, from handicrafts and textiles to spices and silver jewelry. The bazaar suffered significant damage during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake but has since been largely restored, continuing its legacy as a vibrant center of commerce and local culture.

Kot area

The Kot area is a historic neighborhood in the heart of Kabul, Afghanistan, traditionally known as the fortified citadel and administrative center of the city. It served as the royal residence and seat of power for various Afghan rulers, including during the Barakzai dynasty in the 19th century. Today, it remains a significant but often damaged historical district, reflecting Kabul’s long and turbulent political history.

Varachha

Varachha is a prominent neighborhood in Surat, India, historically known as a hub for the city’s diamond cutting and polishing industry. Its modern identity is largely shaped by the migration and settlement of the Saurashtrian Patel community, who established it as a major global center for diamond trade from the mid-20th century onward. Today, it is a bustling, densely populated area famous for its vibrant markets, distinct cuisine, and strong entrepreneurial culture rooted in the gem and jewelry business.