Kathmandu: Street vendors in Kathmandu are facing significant challenges due to a recent crackdown by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) on sidewalk businesses.

Laxmi Gautam, Nirmala Shrestha, and Sabitri Baruwal are just a few examples of the many street vendors who are struggling to make a living after the KMC's strict actions against street vending. These vendors used to sell items like tobacco products, chocolates, biscuits, and bottled water on the streets, but the KMC's crackdown has left them without a source of income.

Laxmi Gautam, who used to sell her goods in front of Bir Hospital, now finds it difficult to provide for her family and pay her children's education bills. She suggests that the KMC could designate specific locations and fixed time slots for street vending as a viable solution.

Nirmala Shrestha from Sindhupalchok, along with her family, is also facing financial difficulties due to the ban on her sidewalk business. Her spouse, who used to work in construction, has been unemployed for a year, worsening their financial situation. Sabitri Baruwal from Dolakha shares similar struggles, as the KMC seized her goods and never returned them, impacting her ability to make a living.

The KMC's actions have sparked division among the public. Some appreciate the efforts to widen roads and footpaths by removing street vendors, while others argue for more humane solutions that provide alternatives for the vendors before taking away their livelihoods.

Representatives of the KMC acknowledge the issue and express their willingness to find alternatives for street vendors. Ramji Bhandari and Ram Kumar KC, ward chairs of KMC-9 and KMC-10 respectively, emphasize the importance of considering the situation from a humanitarian perspective and propose exploring options to accommodate the street vendors.

However, there are differing opinions about the socio-economic backgrounds of street vendors. While some vendors rely solely on street vending for income, others may engage in it as a part-time job alongside other sources of income.

The informal sector, which includes street vendors and various other occupations, constitutes a significant portion of Nepal's economy. The impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the challenges faced by workers in the informal sector, who often lack state regulation and support.

A report by the Centre for Informal Economy, in collaboration with Hope for Change Nepal, highlights the struggles of street vendors who continue their business in hiding after the KMC crackdown. Many vendors have taken loans to alleviate financial burdens and continue supporting their families.

The report also reveals that a majority of street vendors depend on sidewalk vending as their primary source of income. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of vendors have not registered their businesses, and many are unaware of the registration process.

Overall, the issue of street vending in Kathmandu is complex and multifaceted, involving economic, social, and regulatory considerations. While the KMC's intentions to regulate urban spaces and improve pedestrian access are important, finding balanced solutions that address the livelihoods of street vendors is equally vital. -RSS