Kurukshetra admn gets poor response to steel carts from vendors

The project to develop a vending zone on the periphery of Brahma Sarovar has been delayed further as the applications invited for the allotment of steel carts received a lukewarm respons, to be placed in the vending zone.

To bring uniformity and increase beautification in the outer area, the Kurukshetra Development Board had decided to provide stainless steel carts to the vendors to sell food items, craft and souvenir items, as part of its vending zone project.

The KDB in 2022 had procured 50 steel carts at a cost of Rs 50 lakh and the carts were to be allotted to the vendors at subsidised rates. A budget provided by Power Grid Corporation Limited under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme was used for the project.

While each cart costs nearly Rs 1 lakh, initially the board had decided to give these to the vendors, at a cost of Rs 20,000 each, however, the project never took off, and the carts remained parked at Sri Krishna Museum, biting dust.

A couple of months ago, applications were invited from the interested vendors and the board had decided to give the carts for which a security amount of Rs 5,000 was to be deposited. The applications were to be submitted by May end but only three applications were received, forcing the board to put the further process on hold.

An official said the vending zone with standardised carts will bring uniformity and help in beautifying the area more and create an ambiance for the tourists. The project was delayed due to political and administrative reasons.

Honorary Secretary of Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) Upender Singhal said, “Applications were invited for the steel carts but only three applications were received following which the process was put on hold. It has been decided to re-invite the applications soon. The board has started developing a Parikrama Path in the outer area of the Brahma Sarovar. We are hopeful that more people will start using the Parikrama Path in the coming days and it will help in attracting the vendors for the vending zone project.”

“Earlier, the vendors used to park their carts as per their wish. To maintain cleanliness and remove encroachment, the unauhtorised vendors were removed by the KDB. All efforts are being made to complete the project before the International Gita Mahotsav this year. The vendors will get carts in functional condition,” he added.

Chairman of 48-kos Tirtha Monitoring Committee, Madan Mohan Chhabra, during whose tenure as KDB honorary secretary the carts were procured, said, “Along with bringing uniformity, the project is important for the welfare of the poor vendors as well. Standardised steel carts will help them attract tourists. The government and the KDB are committed to the welfare of the poor people and generating employment opportunities for them. We will motivate the vendors to come forward and apply for the carts. Soon, the applications will be re-invited.”

Haryana Tribune