What is the future of street markets post-pandemic?

What is the future of street markets post-pandemic?

The analysis presents impacts on the street markets and vendors in different ways after the pandemic outbreak. One of the primary reason is the 'aversion behaviour' of people is unwanted behaviour with discomfort in public space. Restriction on using public spaces is to stop the spread of the virus in public places that affect the informal sector's livelihood. Therefore, the blog can help design or plan the street markets and public life.

Street vendors are integral to the informal sector, a pillar of India's economy. Their situation in society is already, and the pandemic has affected them miserably. According to data in 2017-18, 83.5% of total non-farm employment in the informal sector (Mehrotra, 2021).

"Aagar log raaste pe Chalte, phirte, kharidte, rahenge tho street vendors ka livelihood aacha rahega "(If people keep walking, moving, buying, on the street, then the livelihood of the street vendors will remain) Mr Mohan from Telangana street vendors and hawkers trade union. Indian cities are well known for their close working life on the street, alleys with tight turns and houses overlooking the street, lively bazaars with crowded pedestrians, Hawkers and vehicles: Each shade had a function. However, during the COVID-19 crisis, we feel the pain of losing our familiar, vibrant, social and vibrant public spaces. As we move beyond our homes, we observe strange and distant social interactions." There is anxiety and fear in some when in public. With the second wave, they have intensified as well. Sanitisers are masks that will be consistent, but I still cannot say if the 6 feet apart metric is something that will work in Indian' bazaars" Mr Arun, CEPT University Professor conducted studio on post covid street.

So to cope up with the situation, there should be some arrangement made for public places and street markets where we could revive the street vendors living and bring back the life on the streets—taking the example of American cities farmers markets. Farmers' markets have

long been community venues. Neighbours could spend a leisurely hour or two outside, connecting and the people who produce their local foods keeping social distancing and other precautions to stop the spread of the virus. People feel safe and socially connected to their neighbourhood which also helps them stay mentally and physically stable. There are also some exciting outcomes from the studio conducted on 'post covid public spaces.' In which "Decentralizing is one concept that has emerged from the explorations done by the students. Mobile market spaces spread across more neighbourhoods, prioritising safer sanitation space in cities, and generating basic awareness across classes are some interventions that I think would help meet the requirements." Mr Arun " Street vendors are trying to maintain hygiene as possible from their side and also following the covid 19 protocols if there is some specific area provided for the street vendors that would help both the vendors as well as the public. "Mr Mohan.

The alternative of farmers' markets function can be adopted with the amalgamation of the Indian context. Implementing the 'new normal' such as social distancing, sanitisation and maintaining a clean and hygienic environment should be integrated into the public space like street markets."Like organised street vending, the idea of a farmer market will take time to develop. Nevertheless, we have the courage, the support that continues to expand to help street vendors and vulnerable people in this challenging situation." Mr Mohan.