Unregistered Rehri’s in Jammu

Rehris or street hawkers are supposed to get themselves registered with local Municipalities everywhere. Particularly the rehris but in Jammu one will find hundreds of unregistered rehris occupying roads, lanes and streets and also vacant land near the markets, parking, hospitals, schools, religious places and other such areas where there is movement of the public. Even some parts of national highways falling in the vicinity of Jammu city or in the suburbs have also been occupied by these unregistered Rehri’s. This scenario of Rehri’s on the roads has emerged during the last two years. These Rehri’s carry fruits and vegetables mostly, but there are several rehri which are not registered. It is in itself very surprising that suddenly the people of Jammu have become so health conscious during the last two years that they need a fruit and vegetable seller near their house because it is now impossible for them to go to the market to purchase the fruit of their choice.  Although people purchase fruit and vegetables from the Rehri’s, there is no sharp rise in the demand and neither is there any sudden and unexpected increase in the sale. The purchasing rate of fruit and vegetables is almost the same as it was two years ago even though there is a decline in the sale according to the sellers. Then how the roads of Jammu have been flooded with Rehri’s in a short period and so rapidly. Who are the owners of these Rehri’s, who have allowed them to occupy the already congested roads and have they obtained permission and licenses from the authorized agency, Jammu Municipal Corporation? No, most of this new convoy of Rehri’s is functioning without proper permission obtained from the concerned agencies and also are not in possession of a license. The major question is the silence and inactiveness of Jammu Municipal Corporation in this regard. These Rehri’s and plantation nurseries are not only encroaching the government and common land but obstructing the flow of traffic. It is because of these Rehri’s and plantation nurseries that traffic jams at many places have become a routine. Hope that JMC shall take action against these unauthorized Rehri’s and plantation nurseries, because their presence on both sides of the road is also a matter of security concern in this sensitive region. Secondly these can also become a shelter for anti-social elements also.