Jagitial District, Metpally (Telangana): The plight of vegetable vendors in Metpally town has reached a critical point, with makeshift stalls spilling onto narrow roads, creating a dangerous mix of pedestrian traffic, vehicles, and open-air commerce. Despite the allocation of funds for the construction of a dedicated market, the project remains stalled, leading to worsening conditions for both vendors and residents.
For years, vegetable sales took place along both sides of the main road leading into town, causing congestion and daily inconvenience. In response, municipal authorities had previously designated space and initiated the construction of a Rythu Bazaar (farmers’ market), promising permanent stalls for vendors. However, the excitement was short-lived. With the market still incomplete and no proper sheds or infrastructure, vendors were forced to return to the roadside—this time in even more precarious conditions.
Now, lacking even the most basic facilities such as drinking water, toilets, and shade, vendors are expressing their frustration. During summer, they endure intense heat. In the monsoon season, rainwater floods the roads, often damaging or washing away their produce. Nights bring another problem—overgrown weeds and incomplete structures have turned the area into a gathering spot for intoxicated individuals, raising safety concerns.
“We’ve approached municipal authorities multiple times, but no one listens,” said one vendor, visibly distressed. “During rains, all our vegetables get soaked. We are losing our livelihood.”
Vendors blame both past and present administrations. They recall that under the previous TRS government, former Minister K. T. Rama Rao and Korutla MLA Vidya Sagar Rao had laid the foundation stone for a ₹6.5 crore market yard, even unveiling a plaque for the project. But after the ceremony, the construction ground to a halt.
“Leaders demolished the old market in the name of development, but now we don’t even have a roof over our heads,” lamented a local farmer.
With the Congress government now in power, locals are urging authorities to resume and complete the market construction without further delay. Their demands are simple: provide them with proper stalls, clean water, toilets, and shelter—basic needs for a dignified livelihood.
Until then, Metpally’s vegetable vendors remain caught between broken promises and daily survival on the roadside.
