Bengaluru footpath encroachment drive to continue across all five corporations: Karnataka CM

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 10 (ANI): Announcing that 435 km of footpaths had been cleared of encroachments in Bengaluru, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar here today said that the clearance drive will continue in all five corporations.
The CM toured the state capital to review footpath encroachment clearance operations in various parts of the city and received updates from Bengaluru Urban Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Speaking to reporters near the Ashoka pillar, the CM said, "There were a total of 1,340 shops and about 1,800 push-carts. Push-cart owners have been allowed to take their carts away. About 2,267 tin sheets that had been installed in front of shops have also been removed. 2,300 steps and ramps, 2,662 pillars and boards, and 2,247 sheds have been cleared. The cleared debris has been disposed of, and footpath repair work is also being carried out alongside."
Referring to street vendors, Shivakumar said, "There's no need to worry. The poor are our people. Trading cannot be allowed on any land, whether private or government. Our government will also provide opportunities for street vendors."
He said the government would restart the process of issuing identity cards to street vendors after a court stay on the earlier exercise, and added that designated vending zones would be identified where they could carry out their trade.
The Chief Minister alleged that a "big mafia" was operating behind the encroachments and claimed that rowdy elements had been extorting money from vendors. "We have given police and GBA officials a free hand. A clean Bengaluru is our goal. The whole country is watching Bengaluru," he said.
Highlighting the need for the drive, Shivakumar said more than 900 pedestrians had died over the past three years and added that the exercise was being carried out to improve pedestrian safety and ease congestion on roads.
Responding to concerns over alternative arrangements for street vendors, he said the government would identify suitable locations where vendors could conduct business without causing inconvenience to traffic or property owners. On the Jayanagar Market, Shivakumar said a decision would be taken soon.
"A decision on Jayanagar Market will be made shortly. Half the building has been constructed; the other half still needs to be completed. This work will also be done soon, under some scheme. We will work to protect our assets while also honouring our citizens," he said. (ANI)