BBMP clears footpath vendors in Jayanagar, ignores norms?

Tejas S and Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In a step towards restoring order to Jayanagar's bustling commercial streets, the High Court's directives have prompted the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to initiate a footpath encroachment clearance drive.

The vendors' view

While the street vendors in Jayanagar's 4th block, allege that they were evicted abruptly by the BBMP without prior notice or consultation, violating the Street Vendors (Livelihood Protection and Control) Act, 2014.

Over 400-500 legally operating vendors, affiliated with the Bengaluru District Street Traders Union, now face uncertainty regarding their livelihoods.

The zonal commissioner's demand for immediate eviction without notice contradicts the legal requirement for written notice under Section 18 of the Street Vendors Act. but the BBMP has stated that more than 3 to 4 vendors are functioning with one licence which is a clear violation of laws.

The BBMP’s side

The BBMP’s spokesperson said that the vendors, who have run businesses for decades without causing public inconvenience, have sought a fair hearing from the BBMP.

The police disrupted their protest outside the BDA complex on November 6. The BBMP's move to clear illegal unauthorised footpath vendors without prior notice or one-day notice is part of a broader clearance operation and the spokesperson stated that they were clearing these footpaths legally.

Despite warnings, unauthorised obstructions of pedestrian paths, roughly 1.00 meters long, persist, creating hazardous conditions due to illegal street commerce.

The enforcement of the footpath clearance drive saw the active involvement of several officers, including senior officers, assistant executive officers, health officers, officials from the market section, police officials, traffic police officers and marshals.

This collaborative effort aimed to ensure that the footpaths are freed from unauthorised obstructions, providing a safer and more accessible environment for pedestrians in Jayanagar.

The vendors who have had their shops for over 4 to 5 decades now lost their source of livelihood overnight. Their shops were towed by the BBMP and their materials were taken away.

A footpath vendor, Subramani said, “We had just purchased flowers, lights and other decorative items to sell for Diwali, and now these officials just threw them out.” we rely on these sales for our daily wages and we are left hopeless.”

Mohan, another vendor said, “We have invested so much money in this and in one night all our work was taken away.''

Aim: Public convenience

This cleanup operation aligns with the broader goals of maintaining urban infrastructure and promoting pedestrianfriendly streets.

The BBMP's commitment to resolving this issue reflects the ongoing efforts to strike a balance between commercial vibrancy and public convenience in Bengaluru's vibrant neighbourhoods.

As the city continues to grow, such initiatives become crucial to ensure a harmonious coexistence between businesses and residents, allowing for a more organized and pedestrian-friendly.