NMBOA allocates space for street vendors in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — The New Market Business Owners Association (NMBOA), Dimapur, has announced the opening of designated spaces for street vendors below the New Market parking lot as part of preparations for the festive season.

The facility will remain open from December 2 to the 30th.

Addressing a press conference at the NMBOA office, New Market, on Tuesday, the association’s secretary, Olen Awomi, said the initiative aims to manage the festive rush more efficiently while providing space for local vendors.

Last year, 80–90 vendors occupied the area, but due to congestion and parking difficulties, the number has been reduced. This year, only 40–50 vendor stalls are planned, with eight ‘trial stalls’ already operational. Despite opening the opportunity to local vendors, the association said no Naga vendors have come forward so far.

To ease traffic movement, NMBOA has arranged 50 four-wheeler parking slots at the New Market parking lot, with two-wheeler parking below on one side of the area. The parking fee is INR 20 for four-wheelers and INR 10 for two-wheelers.

Also read: State Handloom Expo inaugurated in Chümoukedima

Nagaland signs MoU with Toyota Kirloskar to boost health and education sectors

The association stated that vendor stall charges will be kept nominal and are pending finalisation, with the funds allocated towards maintaining public utilities like CCTV cameras and street lights.

Awomi further mentioned that a total of 32 CCTV cameras had been installed earlier, but some were damaged. Sixteen have already been fixed, while the remaining 16 are in progress.

Vendor stalls will be allowed to sell items such as second-hand clothes and toys. NMBOA stated that there will be no fixed operating hours, allowing vendors to function flexibly during the festive season. The association has also obtained the necessary permits from the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), in collaboration with the parking lot in charge, for this year’s activities.

In response to queries on security and incidents of pickpocketing, NMBOA clarified that it continues to disseminate public awareness messages to ensure crowd safety throughout the festive period.