Vendors protest BBMP's footpath encroachment clearance drive

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Over 1,500 street vendors gathered in the protest march that commenced from KR Puram Grounds to KPCC office in Queens Road in the city on Monday.

While opposing the consolidation of vendors under the name 'Brand Bengaluru' the street vendors also protested against the on-going Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) footpath encroachment clearance drive.

The footpath encroachment clearance drive is a complex issue with no easy answers. On the one hand, it is important to ensure pedestrian safety and to improve the city's infrastructure.

On the other hand, it is also important to protect the livelihoods of street vendors, who play an important role in the city's economy.

Following the march, a letter was handed over to the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka DK Shivakumar by the members which stated that around two lakh families in the state capital, are engaged in street vending, providing for about 10 lakh people and sustaining their livelihood from morning till evening.

Despite the absence of a leader representing them in the legislature, the street vendors have continued to lead a meaningful life, facing various challenges socially, culturally, economically, educationally, and politically.

The letter also stated that the street vendors provide flowers, fruits, vegetables, spices, and household goods at affordable prices, catering to the needs of the poor and middle-class people of Bengaluru.

During the pandemic and the subsequent days, they also faced the challenges posed by the closure of street vending and increased use of Zomato and Swiggy applications.