OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal
https://doi.org/10.64211/oidaijsd190311
Unravelling Socio-Spatial Dimensions Of Appropriation Of Urban Spaces For Street Vending In Hyderabad
Shalini Kakani 1*, Ayon Kumar Tarafdar 2
1,2 Department of Planning, School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, India.
*Corresponding Author: shalinikakani73@gmail.com
Volume 19, Issue 03, 163-180, 2026.
Abstract: Street vending forms a crucial part of the informal urban economy in Indian cities, offering affordable services and livelihoods to a significant section of the population. This study explores the spatial appropriation and negotiation of urban public spaces by street vendors in Hyderabad, focusing on three strategically selected case areas: Ameerpet, Sultan Bazaar, and Gudimalkapur. Employing in-depth fieldwork, spatial mapping, interviews, questionnaire based surveys, and regression analysis, the paper investigates the relationships between spatial patterns, economic outcomes, and the socio-political environment within which street vendors operate. Findings reveal that despite the visibility, vendors engage in daily negotiations and informal arrangements, often with private shop owners or through mobile kiosks, to maintain their presence, space and livelihoods. These adaptive strategies, while resourceful, remain precarious in the absence of formal recognition and a structured planned support. The paper takes up two case areas from Hyderabad and argues for urgent spatial interventions, and institutional reforms including the formal integration of vending zones into urban planning frameworks, participatory governance, and infrastructural improvements. In terms of street vending, urban authorities in Hyderabad have limited success in adopting inclusive planning measures, particularly in the allocation of fixed vending zones or designated vending spaces. Vendors continue to face insecure tenure, overcrowding, poor sanitation, and vendors are high vulnerability to eviction. Regression analysis indicates strong correlations between vendor earnings and spatial-environmental variables such as footfall intensity, access to infrastructure, and legal security of vending locations. Analysis and findings portray that the process of appropriation of public space reveals the inherent requirements of informal trade and spatial needs, which is understood in urban design guidelines can lead to better design of public space and realm in the context of Global South. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on urban informality, spatial justice, and sustainable, equitable urban development.
Keywords: Informality, Livelihood, Street Vending, Spatial Appropriation
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