Hans News Service Bengaluru

KarnatakaChief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday said the ongoing footpath encroachment clearance drive will continue across all five civic zones of Bengaluru, adding that nearly 435 km of footpaths have been reclaimed since the campaign began on July 1.

After inspecting the encroachment removal drive at various locations in the city along with Urban Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, the Chief Minister addressed the media near Ashoka Pillar in Jayanagar.

Shivakumar said authorities have removed 9,878 encroachments so far. The operation included the clearance of 1,340 shops, around 1,800 pushcarts, 2,267 metal sheet extensions, 2,300 steps and ramps, 2,662 pillars and signboards, and 2,247 sheds that had occupied pedestrian pathways. He added that debris has been cleared and repair works on damaged footpaths are also being taken up simultaneously.

The Chief Minister assured street vendors that the government was not against them and would provide designated spaces for their livelihood.

“The poor are our own people. We want street vendors to earn a living, but businesses cannot operate anywhere on public or private property. We will identify suitable locations where they can carry out their trade without causing inconvenience to pedestrians or traffic,” he said.

He further stated that the government would restart the process of issuing identity cards to street vendors after an earlier initiative was stalled due to a court order.

Shivakumar alleged that a “large mafia” was behind many of the encroachments and claimed that organised groups had been collecting money from vendors illegally. “We have information that rowdy elements are extorting money from street vendors.

The police and Greater Bengaluru Authority officials have been given full freedom to act. Our objective is a clean Bengaluru, and the entire country is watching the city’s transformation,” he said. The Chief Minister said the drive was aimed at improving pedestrian safety, noting that more than 900 pedestrians have lost their lives in Bengaluru over the past three years.”This is not being done for anyone’s personal benefit. When there are no usable footpaths, people are forced to walk on roads, creating safety risks and traffic congestion. Our priority is the safety and convenience of citizens,” he said. “Vendors will be provided appropriate locations where they can conduct business without inconveniencing the public. They can operate during the day and vacate the space in the evening,” he said.

On the long-pending redevelopment of the Jayanagar Market, the Chief Minister said the government would take a decision soon. “Half of the market building has already been constructed, and the remaining work will be completed shortly under an appropriate scheme. We are committed to protecting public assets while ensuring better civic infrastructure for citizens,” he added.