BOXED IN, FOR A CHANGE!

~ spicedmullings

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The air was loud with altercations, murmurings, complaints and what-not.

“Our goods sell well because people see them displayed on the pavement. Their beauty captivates customers! Here we are not visible, but hidden!”

The officials shrugged their shoulders and pointed to their orders to clear the pavements.

“You are out of the sun, rain, dust & thieves. Its nice, clean and safe here.  The cool corridors will help people actually shop here more. Ungrateful wretches!”

The traders were not mollified, for hadn’t their fathers & grandfathers done business there? The old way was good for commerce & company. The new one seemed sterile, each in their own box. So why change?

Why pay rent now?

*A normal scenario and news item that occurs on and off in Chennai, India!

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T. Nagar footpath shops removed

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/t-nagar-footpath-shops-removed/article5322798.ecee
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Pondy-Bazaar-hawkers-move-to-new-corporation-complex-without-a-fuss/2013/11/08/article1878478.ec

*Friday Fictioneers is a talented group of enthusiasts penning down a story, a poem, a prose, etc., expressing their heart about a photo prompt, every week. Thanks for this week’s beautiful PHOTO PROMPT © Amy Reese

34 thoughts on “BOXED IN, FOR A CHANGE!”

  4. Nice way of showing how there always seems to be two perspectives (or more) on any new change. I also like the additional photo, bringing the story to a specific real place — very interesting.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. Part of the charm of other countries is the street life: the markets and difference to the shops we are used to, which are exactly the same in every town and city. Hope they hold out against the boring units!

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  12. I love change but I hate when the government makes this change to leech off the people without putting adequate infrastructure and basic necessities in place.
    A common occurrence in my country.

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  14. I think Bjorn got it right. Move them inside where you can charge them rent. Of course, here in America they probably force them to buy a license just to sell on the sidewalk.

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  30. Yes and no, yes and no, yes and no. I’m undecided, can you tell? I love the tradition, colours, liveliness of street vendors, but what a mess and nuisance it can be, too. What’s wrong with markets? Great thought-provoking story.

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Balancing between the needs of poor and those of the affluent is indeed a struggle. However, for the former its their livelihood, while for the latter its their life. And the former is dependent on the other. So its a tough call for lawmakers

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  33. Much the same happens in Pune. I can see both sides. The problem is pedestrians are forced to walk on the street which can be dangerous with the heavy chaotic traffic.Good writing Sabina. 🙂 — Suzanne

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