Lucknow, April 19 -- As hundreds of families struggle to rebuild their lives after the devastating fire, an unlikely group has stepped forward as a lifeline-small kiosk owners and street vendors who have put aside a part of their daily earnings to feed the displaced.

For the past few days, many of these vendors have not returned to their usual street corners where they run tea stalls, snack carts, and small kiosks. Instead, they have shifted base to the remains of the shanty, distributing food to the affected families.

"I have not opened my stall since the fire," said Ramesh Kumar, a tea vendor who usually sets up near a busy Tedhipuliya crossing. "What business will I do when people here do not even have food to eat? Right now, feeding...