Gurugram's Street Food: A Battle Of Taste And Space

Amidst the bustling city life of Gurugram, there lies a street of joy serving a variety of delicious food. This is a street that not only helps to satisfy taste buds and cravings but also provides an opportunity to spend time with friends and family. On July 17, the once lively street of Sector 22 fell silent, resembling an abandoned fort with broken stalls scattered everywhere. What was once a bustling hub of joy, laughter, and delicious street food has turned into a place of sorrow for the street food vendors when the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) demolished their beloved stalls. The street, which was a culinary haven and a cherished spot for foodies, suddenly lost its soul. This bustling market was renowned for offering an incredible variety of food options at highly affordable prices. From lip-smacking chaats and sizzling kebabs to flavourful biryanis and scrumptious desserts, the street food vendors crafted a diverse and delightful food experience.

The decision by the MCG to demolish the street food stalls was met with mixed reactions from the residents of Sector 22 in Gurugram. The core issue that persists is a clash of space: the same areas designated for parking convenience become a battleground for the survival of these humble street food stall owners. While some acknowledged the need for maintaining urban planning and ensuring safety, others mourned the loss of a beloved food hub.

Vishal, a resident of Sector 22, says, "Common people and someone starting their career cannot afford to eat at fancy restaurants like McDonald's or KFC every week. Street food stalls provide affordable and tasty food. Who would want to invest Rs. 200 on a plate of momos containing 5 to 6 pieces when you can get 10 pieces with a much more delicious taste for just Rs. 60?"

Rishika, a resident of Sector 22 who works at VLCC, says, "Although Delhi is the best for food and flavours, obviously, no one will spend money to travel to Delhi every time or to faraway places in Gurugram. Here, Sector 22 was the nearest place to offer the best food at an affordable price."

Sector 22 is not an isolated example. Often nestled between PGs and offices, numerous other areas in Gurugram, such as Sector 23, 14, 48, and others, boast their own thriving street food hubs that serve as affordable spots for students and young professionals. These bustling locations have become iconic culinary landmarks, offering a variety of flavours to Gurugram's residents.

The street food stalls provide a much-needed break, offering not just budget-friendly meals but also an escape from monotonous routines. The convenience of these food vendors, serving up a wide range of options right at their doorstep, makes it a cherished spot for foodies without burning a hole in their pockets.

The authorities argue that the encroachment of street food stalls in parking zones disrupts traffic flow, leads to unsanitary conditions, and hampers the aesthetics of the city. Consequently, they resort to periodically demolishing these stalls, dealing a heavy blow to the livelihoods of the hardworking vendors who rely on these stalls to support their families.

According to an officer working in MCG, "We have given warnings three times, but there was no response and action, so we had to take this harsh step. We are just doing our duty and wish no harm to anyone. Everyone must understand that work should be done according to the law, and these people were violating the law. Many of them didn't even have food permits".

Admittedly, the MCG is doing its work by maintaining a well-organised city layout, ensuring smooth traffic flow, and upholding the principles of urban planning. However, the time has come for a more inclusive and innovative approach to foster harmony between the city's development and the vibrant street food culture.

Sooraj, the owner of a street food stall in Sector 22, says, "These stalls are the only source of income for me. I work hard, selling momos and noodles in the open area even in this scorching summer without a fan, just to feed my family. Authorities destroyed my stall, which I bought by saving every penny. How will I recover from this loss? Where should people like me go? There is no space left."

In this rapidly growing city, the competition for limited public spaces, including parking areas, has intensified. Street food stall owners, along with other businesses and services, often strive for these spaces, leading to conflicts with local authorities responsible for maintaining urban infrastructure. As a result, many a time, these street food stall owners operate informally without proper licences or registration due to various reasons, including a lack of awareness about the legal requirements or the complexity of the registration process.

Legal Compliance

To address the challenges faced by street food vendors and provide them with legal recognition and protection, the Government of India has taken several initiatives like the "Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014," commonly known as the Street Vendors Act. This Act was enacted with the primary aim of safeguarding the rights of street vendors, regulating street vending activities, and creating a mechanism to allocate designated spaces for them. Under the Act, Town Vending Committees (TVCs) are established in each city and town. These committees are responsible for conducting surveys to identify existing street vendors and demarcate vending zones where they can operate legally. However, in rapidly growing cities like Gurugram, the allocation of government-provided spaces often becomes insufficient compared to the growing population and the number of stalls.

It is important to highlight that every food stall owner is required to have a licence under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 (FSSA), which establishes the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). However, despite this legal requirement, many street food vendors tend to set up their stalls without obtaining the necessary licences, leading to informal and unauthorised vending.

Gurugram's street food culture faces a challenging situation, caught between the aspirations of urban development and the source of income of the local vendors. It is important for the authorities to recognise the vital role street food plays in the city's social and economic field. By adopting a collaborative and forward-thinking approach, Gurugram can strike a balance between maintaining urban order and preserving the cherished tradition of street food. The end result would be a thriving city where citizens can enjoy affordable and delicious street food, while small-scale entrepreneurs find a sustainable and supportive environment to pursue their dreams.