Abstract:
Streets are a stage for social interaction, commerce and act as determinant
for character of the city. Among these activities, street vending is a
dominant activity in Indian cities. The total number of street vendors in India
is estimated at around 10 million, street vendors constitute approximately 2
per cent of the population of a metropolis in India as per WEIGO report.
However, Street vendors are a part of de-regulated system. The study
address this context with respect to Pune city, a growing metro in India.
Pune city was also the first city to take policy directives for management of
street vendors, in India.
The objective of the study is to distinguish and establish types of street
vending in the context of Pune City. The study tries to estimate space
utilized by different types of street vending. It analyses the patterns of
distribution of types of street vending and their characteristics. This,
unravels the locational aspects of street vending which proves to be
essential for successful policy making. Through questionnaires, the
perception of other road users towards the activity of street vending is
evaluated.
The study uses quantitative and qualitative data. These include field notes,
questionnaire survey of road users, field mapping and videography.
Descriptive statistics such as means and frequencies were used to present
the findings. The analysis of the data is based on percentages and simple
cross tabulations, presenting empirical evidence to explore the spatial
relations (location specific details) as against the types of street vendors.
The overall research theme is analyzing the impact of Informal Street
Activities on Urban Functions and Planning aspects. This research paper is
based on initial studies and is a part of doctoral research.
