9,878 encroachments cleared from Bengaluru footpaths since July 1; drive to continue, says CM

Bengaluru, Jul 10 (PTI) A total of 9,878 encroachments have been cleared from 435 km of footpaths across Bengaluru since July 1, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Friday. He added that the encroachment-clearance drive would continue across all five civic zones — Central, East, West, North and South — each of which is responsible for civic administration within its respective jurisdiction. He inspected the ongoing footpath encroachment clearance drive at various locations in the city along with Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and other officials. Later, speaking to reporters in Jayanagar here, the CM said that the exercise was aimed at ensuring the convenience and safety of citizens and not for any "personal gain", while assuring that alternative vending spaces would be provided for street vendors. "From July 1 till now, a total of 9,878 encroachments have been cleared from 435 km of footpaths. The encroachment clearance drive will continue across all five civic zones," he said. According to him, there were a total of 1,340 shops and around 1,800 pushcarts, which were allowed to move their carts on their own. Around 2,267 metal sheet extensions installed in front of shops have been removed. In addition, 2,300 steps and ramps, 2,662 pillars and signboards, and 2,247 sheds have been cleared, he said. "The debris has been disposed of, and work is also underway to repair the footpaths," the CM said. As part of the Greater Bengaluru Authority's 'Safe Footpath' campaign that began on July 1, officials are conducting a drive to clear encroachments aimed at improving pedestrian infrastructure across the city. Emphasising that street vendors were “our own people”, Shivakumar assured that the government would make suitable arrangements for them. "There is no need to panic. The poor are our own people. Whether it is government or private land, business cannot be carried out just anywhere. Our government will make arrangements for street vendors as well. We want them to earn a livelihood," he said. The CM recalled that identity cards were issued to street vendors earlier, but the process was halted by the court. "We will restart the process. Designated vending zones will be identified for them, where they can carry out their business," he added. Shivakumar alleged that a "big mafia" was operating behind illegal encroachments, claiming that "rowdies had been collecting money from vendors." "There will always be criticism, and we are ready to accept criticism if it is for improving Bengaluru. A big mafia is operating behind all this. We have information about it. We have given full freedom to the police and Greater Bengaluru Authority officials. A clean Bengaluru is our goal. The entire country is watching Bengaluru," he said. Noting that more than 900 pedestrians have lost their lives over the past three years, the CM said the drive was being undertaken to ensure the convenience and safety of citizens, not for any "personal gain". "If there are no footpaths, people are forced to walk on the roads, creating difficulties for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic. I have reviewed the work carried out over the last 15 days," he added. Responding to allegations that no alternative arrangements had been made for street vendors, Shivakumar said, “Let people make allegations if they want. We will identify and allot alternative locations for them. They cannot conduct business in places with heavy traffic or in front of someone’s property.” “Suitable locations where no inconvenience is caused to anyone will be identified. They can operate there, coming in the morning and leaving in the evening,” he added. When asked why street vendors were not using the alternative market created at the Vijayanagar underpass, he said, “We respect your suggestions and wisdom, and we will consider them.” Shivakumar also said that a decision on the long-pending Jayanagar Market project would be taken soon. “Half of the building has already been constructed, while the remaining work is still pending. The rest of the project will be taken up shortly under an appropriate scheme. We will protect public assets while ensuring convenience and respect for citizens,” he added. PTI AMP SSK