Bengaluru:Karnataka Chief 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.