Shabir Ali
The Department of Tourism has evicted tea stall owners operating at various locations in Doodhpathri, directing them to relocate to a single designated site near the toll post office.
The affected vendors allege that they were not given any prior notice, leaving them scrambling to adapt to the new arrangement, as per local news agency Kashmir News Trust.
The tea stall owners, who have long relied on selling tea and snacks to sustain their families, expressed frustration and despair over the abrupt eviction.
One of the displaced vendors said during a protest, “We were not given any notice, and our livelihoods are at stake.”
Many of these vendors have become a beloved part of Doodhpathri’s tourism experience, frequently featured in social media content by visitors from Kashmir and across India.
Videos showcasing their tea stalls have gained popularity, bringing recognition and financial benefits to the content creators. Yet, the vendors feel exploited and abandoned.
“When we served tea to tourists and appeared in their reels, we were celebrated like celebrities. But now, when our livelihoods are snatched away, the cameras are silent, and no one stands with us,” said one vendor.
The CEO of Doodhpathri Development Authority, Reyaz Ahmad, justified the action, stating that the tea stalls were operating illegally and posed a challenge to maintaining the area’s aesthetic and order.
“The relocation will help streamline the operations and improve the tourist experience,” he said.
However, the vendors argue that the new site near the toll post office is inconvenient and will drastically reduce their earnings.
“Unlike the bustling tourist spots where they previously operated, the new location sees no stoppage by people, making it harder for them to attract customers,” a vendor said.
For many of these families, the tea stalls are their sole source of income. The relocation has left them uncertain about how they will make ends meet.
“We became content for their likes and shares, but when we needed support, all those who profited from our smiles and simplicity disappeared,” another vendor lamented.
The tea stall owners have appealed to the authorities to reconsider the decision or provide alternative solutions that will not harm their ability to earn a living.