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Out of all the seasons, monsoons come to India in a very, very dominant way. People and businesses are affected almost everywhere in India from June to September. Though monsoon is very much vital for the agricultural sector, the urban and suburban areas face some adversities in the rainy season. For street vendors, who rely on daily earnings to sustain their livelihoods, the monsoon brings a host of difficulties. Heavy rains often lead to waterlogging, reducing foot traffic and forcing many vendors to shut their operations temporarily. The streets of Kolkata, typically bustling with activity, become less accessible, and the vendors' makeshift shelters are often inadequate to protect against the downpour, directly impacting their income.
Video Credit: YouTube | Rajshri Food
To prevent the possible challenges, the local street vendors in Kolkata have started adopting positive measures to safeguard their business as well as their livelihood. Many are investing in better-quality tarpaulins and waterproof materials to shield their goods, while other sellers are modifying their work hours to avoid the heaviest rains. Despite these efforts, the urban street vending economy experienced a sharp downturn, with income structures significantly disrupted. The monsoon reduces the number of customers and alters purchasing behaviours, making it difficult for vendors to maintain a steady income.
How Do Street Vendors Cope With Indian Monsoons?
Protective Measures Against Rain
Street vendors cope with the Indian monsoons by taking various protective measures to shield their goods and maintain business continuity. Many invest in durable tarpaulins, waterproof coverings, and makeshift shelters to prevent rainwater from damaging their products. Some also use elevated platforms to keep their goods dry, especially in areas prone to waterlogging. These measures help mitigate the risk of financial loss due to spoiled goods and ensure that their stalls remain operational even during heavy rains.
Adjusting Operating Hours
To cope with the unpredictable nature of monsoon rains, street vendors often adjust their operating hours. They may start their day earlier or work during periods when the weather is more predictable. By avoiding peak rain times, they can maximise their business hours, albeit at a reduced footfall. This strategic adjustment allows them to continue earning, even though the income might be lower than usual.
Problems Faced By Street Vendors
Waterlogging And Shelter Issues
One of the significant problems street vendors face during the monsoon is waterlogging, which makes it difficult to set up stalls. The waterlogged streets reduce foot traffic, and the lack of proper shelter exposes both vendors and customers to the elements. These issues not only make it harder to attract customers but also increase the likelihood of product damage.
Changes In Customer Behaviour
The monsoon season sees a noticeable change in customer behaviour. People are less inclined to shop outdoors during heavy rains, leading to a significant drop in the number of daily visitors to street stalls. This change in behaviour directly impacts the vendors' income, as fewer customers mean fewer sales.
Changes In Propensity To Purchase
The propensity to purchase street food or goods declines during the monsoon season. With wet conditions and increased concerns about hygiene, customers are less likely to buy perishable goods from street vendors. This shift in consumer confidence reduces sales volumes, further straining the vendors' already precarious financial situation.
Decline In Food Safety
Food safety becomes a pressing issue during the monsoons. The wet and humid conditions are ideal for the growth of bacteria, leading to potential food contamination. Street vendors, often lacking proper facilities for food storage and preparation, find it challenging to maintain hygiene standards. This decline in food safety can deter customers, further reducing sales.
Income Imbalances During Monsoon
The monsoon season brings significant income imbalances for street vendors. With lower footfall and reduced operating hours, vendors see a drastic drop in their daily earnings. The unpredictability of the weather adds to their woes, as sudden downpours can lead to abrupt business closures, spoiling perishable goods and leading to financial losses. These income fluctuations make it difficult for vendors to sustain their livelihoods.
Precautions Taken By Street Vendors
Street vendors take various precautions to combat the challenges posed by the monsoon. Investing in waterproof materials and sturdy shelters is a common practice. Some also stockpile goods that are less susceptible to weather-related damage, such as packaged items. Additionally, vendors may form informal networks to share resources, such as communal shelters, to reduce individual costs. These proactive measures are crucial for maintaining business continuity during the monsoon season.
Monsoon And Businesses: POV From Street Vendors
The issues that the street vendors are facing are serious. However, the Slurrp team has reached out to some of the street vendors in Kolkata, where frequent rain and waterlogging are quite common. The team has got to know the situation and the precautions that the street vendors are taking during the monsoon.
Soumen Sarkar, a jhalmuriwala from North Kolkata, shared his experience of his livelihood during the rain. He stated, “Most of my customers complain that the jhalmuri is not crunchy enough. I tried my level best to maintain it in my home. But lack of sunlight always creates problems. I cannot help this during rain. It is getting difficult to get ₹200 a day.”
Arjun Das is a local phuchkawala who is facing quite the same problem as Soumen. He also shared, “The phuchkas are not crunchy during monsoon. I, as a seller, refrain from selling moisty phuchkas to the customer. It affects my customer base every time.”
While reaching out to multiple fast-food centres, Slurrp had a word with a fast-food shop named Lokenath Fast-food Centre. They started selling food items via online delivery partners. The owner stated, “Customers won’t visit fast-food centres while it is raining. So, we have connected with Zomato and Swiggy, so that customers can order food from their homes, and we can supply the food accordingly. This helps us maintain the sale structure.”
The Indian monsoon poses significant challenges for street vendors, affecting their income, customer footfall, and food safety standards. However, vendors can mitigate some of these challenges through strategic planning, such as adjusting operating hours and investing in protective measures. Despite these efforts, the monsoon season remains difficult for street vendors, with income disparities and operational difficulties being the norm.
