DK Shivakumar Inspects Bengaluru Footpath Clearance Drive; Government Warns of Action Against Encroachments and Abandoned Vehicles
Bengaluru, July 10: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday conducted an extensive inspection of Bengaluru’s ongoing footpath clearance drive, reiterating that the government will continue removing encroachments despite resistance while assuring rehabilitation measures for eligible street vendors.
Accompanied by Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, the Chief Minister visited several parts of the city to assess the progress of the large-scale operation aimed at reclaiming pedestrian spaces across Bengaluru.
According to officials, more than 430 kilometres of footpaths have already been cleared under the ongoing campaign.
CM Reviews Ground Situation Across Bengaluru
Shivakumar inspected the cleared footpaths near the HAL Bridge, Doddanekundi, HSR Layout, Jayanagar 4th Block Market, Madhavan Park Bus Stand and Ashoka Pillar.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister sought updates from officials on the number of encroachments removed and the progress of the campaign.
At HSR Layout, he questioned officials after noticing debris left behind following the demolition, directing them to ensure the sites are cleaned immediately after clearance operations.
‘We Will Not Bow to Any Pressure’
The Chief Minister said the government would continue the drive without yielding to pressure.
“We have already cleared over 430 kilometres of footpaths and the operation will continue. We will not bow to any pressure,” Shivakumar said.
He added that affected vendors would be given reasonable time to remove their belongings voluntarily before enforcement action is initiated.
Alternative Arrangements for Street Vendors
Responding to criticism from sections of street vendors, Shivakumar said the government is committed to providing alternative arrangements for eligible vendors.
He said registered vendors would be issued fresh identity cards and notified vending zones where they could legally conduct business.
The Chief Minister also indicated that pushcarts would be provided to eligible beneficiaries as part of the rehabilitation initiative.
However, he alleged that organised groups were exploiting illegal street vending.
“There is a large mafia behind these encroachments. We are aware of people collecting money from vendors and controlling different areas. We will act against such practices,” he said.
Abandoned Vehicles Also Under Scanner
Launching another civic enforcement initiative, Krishna Byre Gowda announced that the government has begun action against abandoned vehicles parked on roads, footpaths, no-parking zones and other public spaces.
He said authorities have identified 1,581 abandoned vehicles during the initial survey.
Vehicle owners will be given one week’s notice, with warning stickers placed on the vehicles asking them to remove them voluntarily.
“If owners fail to remove the vehicles within a week, they will be towed away and treated as abandoned vehicles in accordance with the law,” the minister said.
Chief Minister Shivakumar also warned that vehicles left unattended on public roads for extended periods would be removed and disposed of through the prescribed legal process, including auction wherever applicable.
Balancing Public Convenience and Livelihoods
While several residents welcomed the footpath clearance campaign, some locals urged the government to ensure adequate rehabilitation measures for small vendors whose livelihoods depend on street vending.
The Greater Bengaluru Authority’s civic enforcement drive is expected to continue in the coming weeks as the government seeks to reclaim pedestrian infrastructure and improve traffic movement across the city.
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