Traders and vendors protest road widening in Bellampalli

Traders and small vendors in Bellampalli are protesting the demolition of their shops for a road widening project. They say their livelihoods are at stake and have demanded alternative arrangements and compensation from municipal authorities carrying out the expansion

Mancherial: Traders and small vendors have expressed strong resentment over the ongoing road widening works in Bellampalli town.

Once a major coal belt hub of the district, Bellampalli lost its prominence after several underground coal mines of Singareni Collieries Company Limited were closed over time, forcing many locals to migrate to cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai for livelihood.

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A two-kilometre stretch between SCCL’s Area Hospital and Kanta Chowrasta is now being widened to ease traffic congestion in the town. The road width is being increased from 60 feet to 100 feet. Shops of small traders and sheds of roadside vendors on both sides of the stretch are being removed using earthmovers.

The traders and vendors are unhappy with the demolition of their shops for the project. “They will lose their livelihood if the road is widened, affecting their families. Municipal officials should provide an alternative source of income to those affected if the widening is inevitable,” said Maniram Singh, a leader of the traders and vendors.

The aggrieved group recently staged a sit-in on the road opposing the works, raising slogans against the government and municipal officials. Police foiled a suicide attempt by an agitating trader who allegedly poured petrol on himself. Protesters said assurances given to land oustees were not fulfilled, pushing their lives into distress.

Municipal officials said the road was being widened to ease congestion along the busy stretch. They stated that shops and sheds falling within the 100-feet width would be cleared and that compensation would be provided to affected traders and vendors.