Bengaluru's Minister for Municipal Administration and Local Self-Government, KBG, has assured that street vendors will be relocated rather than evicted as part of the city's footpath encroachment clearance drive. The minister's statement came on Thursday after authorities cleared encroachments from 5th Main in Ganganagar, a move that had raised concerns among local vendors about displacement.
Minister's directive on development works
KBG directed officials to immediately commence development works on stretches where encroachments have already been cleared, instead of waiting for the completion of the entire drive. This approach aims to expedite the improvement of pedestrian infrastructure and prevent re-encroachment. The minister emphasized that the relocation process would be carried out in a humane manner, ensuring that vendors are provided with alternative designated spaces.
Details of the clearance drive
The clearance operation on 5th Main Ganganagar was conducted by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in coordination with the traffic police. According to officials, the drive targeted illegal structures and hawkers occupying footpaths, causing inconvenience to pedestrians. A BBMP official stated, “We have identified several stretches across the city where encroachments have made walking difficult. Our priority is to restore footpaths for public use.”
Impact on vendors and relocation plans
Approximately 50 vendors were affected by the clearance on 5th Main alone. The minister assured that a survey of all licensed vendors is underway, and they will be shifted to nearby vendor zones or markets. “No vendor will be left without an alternative. We are working on a comprehensive plan to accommodate them,” KBG added. The relocation is expected to be completed within two weeks, with temporary sites being readied in the interim.
Broader context and future steps
The clearance drive is part of a larger city-wide initiative to reclaim public spaces. Over the past month, BBMP has cleared encroachments from over 10 kilometers of footpaths in areas such as Shivajinagar, Malleswaram, and Indiranagar. The minister urged citizens to cooperate and report any re-encroachments. “We will ensure strict action against those who try to occupy footpaths again,” he warned. The government also plans to install benches, streetlights, and signage on cleared stretches to enhance walkability.
