435 km of footpaths cleared so far
Bengaluru: Announcing that 435 km of footpaths had been cleared of encroachments in Bengaluru, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, on Friday, said that the encroachment clearance drive will continue in all the five corporations.
The CM toured the city 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 Ashoka pillar, he 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 off, and footpath repair work is also being carried out alongside.”
Street vendors are also our people
“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. We too want street vendors to be able to earn their livelihood,” he said.
“We had issued identity cards to street vendors earlier. The court had issued a stay order on that, and now we will restart this process. Designated spots will be identified specifically for you, where you can carry out your trade,” he said.
Big mafia behind this
“There will be criticism. We are prepared to accept criticism for the sake of Bengaluru’s improvement. There is a big mafia behind this. Rowdies have been extorting money from vendors. We have information about this too. We have given police and GBA officials a free hand. A clean Bengaluru is our goal. The whole country is watching Bengaluru,” he said.
“Over the past three years, more than 900 pedestrians have died. That’s why we are doing this work for the convenience of citizens — this isn’t being done for our own benefit. When there’s no footpath, people walk on the road, which then causes problems for vehicle movement too. I have been reviewing the work done over the last fortnight,” he said.
When asked about allegations that no alternative arrangements have been made for street vendors, he said, “We will identify and provide them alternative spots. Trading cannot be permitted in places with heavy vehicle traffic or in front of someone else’s property. We will look for locations that cause no inconvenience to anyone, and allow trade in places that don’t cause hardship to anyone. They should come in the morning and leave in the evening,” he said.
