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Sarojini Nagar market shut as traders push back on NDMC vendor plan
Traders at Sarojini Nagar market observed a two-day shutdown on Thursday and Friday in protest of NDMC's plan to permit 515 vendors to operate in front of shops. They cited lack of consultation and alleged flaws in the survey process, as they sought a resolution through a meeting with the local MLA and a planned discussion with NDMC next week.
Why It Matters
The protest underscores tensions over urban vending policies and market congestion in a major Delhi retail hub, with potential implications for vendor rights, municipal planning, and city traffic management.
Timeline
5 Events
Weekend opening planned; Monday decision after meeting
May 15, 2026
Shop owners said the market will remain open on Saturday and Sunday, and a decision on continuing the protest will be taken on Monday after the meeting with NDMC.
Allegations of survey exclusions and non-genuine vendors
May 15, 2026
Randhawa alleged that key stakeholders were not included during the survey despite being part of the committee structure. Kalra alleged that over 400 individuals who had never functioned as pavement vendors in the market were included in the survey and granted Certificates of Vending.
NDMC vendor plan described as surveying 515 vendors
May 15, 2026
Officials said the NDMC is preparing to permit a total of 515 vendors to operate in front of shops, based on a survey conducted by the Town Vending Committee under directions of the Supreme Court.
Market shut on Friday as protest continues; MLA meets
May 15, 2026
The market remained shut on Friday as part of the protest. The traders met local area MLA Parvesh Verma, who assured a meeting with NDMC on Monday to discuss the issue.
Market shut on Thursday amid protest
May 14, 2026
Traders’ bodies said shops across the main market, mini market and vegetable market remained shut on Thursday as part of the protest against NDMC’s plan to permit vendors to operate in front of shops.