The process of surveying street vendors in Patna has been sped up to accomplish a long-pending plan of lending them a formal identity and designated vending zones.

Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has entrusted National Street Vendors' Association of India with the job of surveying the street vendors.

According to sources in the association, 11,335 street vendors have so far been identified in the state capital. On January 6, another round of survey was initiated for the five circles of Patna Municipal Corporation so that the street vendors left out earlier could be covered. This survey will be completed by January 15.

The move assumes significance because after surveying, PMC will provide vending certificates along with identity card to the vendors before they are allotted spaces (vending zones) to run their kiosks. It aims to help decongest several arteries, which vendors have encroached upon.

PMC has conducted anti-encroachment drives in many areas, such as Ashok Raj-path, but the vendors keep on returning.

The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, talks about the creation of vending zones in the states for the security and protection of livelihood of all street vendors who have valid vending certificates issued by the town vending committee of the municipal corporation.

PMC commissioner Abhishek Singh said PMC had already identified vending zones for the purpose. "Basic facilities will be provided in the upcoming vending zones. From drinking water to toilets and lights and pucca pavements, all will be provided in the vending zones. However, we will develop the zones only in some select places so that normal life of residents is not affected. We will also try to maintain the aesthetic beauty of the city. We will ensure that it is not hampered owing to creation of vending zones."

However, an official wishing anonymity, said National Street Vendors' Association of India had submitted its last survey report to the PMC last September. "It was expected that the town vending committee of PMC will start issuing the vending certificates and identity cards to the vendors soon after but that did not happen," said the official.

Residents added that PMC should not delay creating vending zones. "The pavements are futile for pedestrians because most of them are encroached. It will be good if PMC creates vending zone for the vendors. This will help both residents and the vendors' community," said Abhay Kumar Sinha of Kidwaipuri.