The story of the vendor zone began when we learnt that the RWA, in association with the Noida Authority, are planning to bring in a few vendors into the area behind the IOC/ Oil India SQs.
I sent an email to the RWA President, Shri DD Mishra. After awaiting his reply for a few days, I posted this on one of the Sector groups, where it was very evident that most of the residents were against the setup of another vendor zone anywhere in the Sector.
Just to deal with the ongoing discussions and outrage of residents, the RWA posted an email on our Google group, in which it presented a contradictory statement. On the one hand, it stated that it is not creating any NEW VENDOR ZONE in the Sector and were against it. On the other hand, it said that it is in discussion with the NA to bring in ten vendors, including the three who were initially evicted by the previous RWA committee. The same statement has been minuted in the minutes of the meeting (recently circulated on the RWA announcement group).
So, it became an unfathomable issue to many residents – whether the vendor zone would be created or not.
If the email and minutes of the meeting are to be carefully read, one will realise that the RWA has given two contradictory statements.
In the mail, the RWA stated that the formation of a new vendor zone would be resisted by it. However, the concern was that a “vendor zone”, old or new is not a matter of concern. We couldn’t understand the purpose of accommodating the previously evicted vendors in the Sector. It is incomprehensible in terms of its benefits to the residents. If there are any benefits to the Sector, then the RWA should provide some data to validate this. I believe all the residents would appreciate this.
As responsible residents of the Sector and this planet, we are deeply concerned about the area behind the SQ complex which is reserved as a Green Belt by the Horticulture Department. With the pace at which encroachment has been going on, it won’t be surprising if within a few years the entire green belt is full of encroachments; the beauty and serenity of the Sector will be lost.
Our only message to the RWA and the residents of the Sector is: After having two established markets in the Sector serving all the needs and necessities of the residents, we see no point in setting up any kind of new vendor zone, or bringing back the old vendors, or displacing any vendor from Gulmohar market to the area behind the SQ complex.
Lastly, the RWA is expected to take into confidence the residents who are directly or indirectly impacted by this change.
As repeatedly mentioned by the RWA, the NA is undertaking these activities -whereas we all are well aware that Noida Authority doesn’t take such autocratic decisions and has always taken the RWAs into confidence before bringing in such schemes.
Reactions of residents on the Whatsapp groups:
On 22 Oct, KN Bansal wrote: I request RWA to seriously look into it, when there is no necessity or requirement of residents then why vendor zone. Rightly said that these vendor zones will be a security hazard for residents. Authorities should be convinced. The issue is serious & needs urgent attention.
Another resident said: I think this additional vendor zone may pose a security threat… we already have 2 markets operating, this vendor zone so close to the staff qtrs and the boundary would be risky. Additionally, I can imagine the plight of people with houses nearby… I don’t think it should be allowed.
Another resident reacted: It’s quite a distasteful decision… if taken!
