The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the livelihoods of street vendors in the city by announcing the development of a mobile app designed to streamline the registration process. This initiative comes as part of the efforts by the GCC’s Town Vending Committee, which aims to create a more organized and efficient environment for street vendors.As a key component of this initiative, the GCC plans to verify the contact numbers of 33,558 registered vendors and issue new chip-enabled ID cards to ensure better identification and tracking of street vendors in Chennai. This move is expected to strengthen the relationship between the corporation and the vendor community, fostering a more secure and regulated vending ecosystem.
Additionally, the corporation will utilize Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to procure smart carts featuring GCC logos, further enhancing the visibility and branding of street vendors. These carts will not only promote the vendors but also help in maintaining uniformity and professionalism among the street vending community.
To further enhance operational efficiency, the Town Vending Committee will leverage Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to designate specific areas where vending is permitted. This strategic approach follows a series of seven meetings held with stakeholders led by the committee under the Revenue Department. The use of GIS technology will facilitate better planning and management of vending zones, ensuring that vendors operate in designated areas while minimizing conflicts with other businesses and pedestrian traffic.
The launch of this mobile app and the accompanying initiatives underscore the GCC’s commitment to supporting street vendors in Chennai, helping them to thrive in a regulated environment while enhancing the city’s overall cleanliness and organization.