Street vendors reclaim footpaths post BBMP's clearance drive; seek recognition under Vending Act

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Bengaluru's sidewalks have transformed from quiet spaces to bustling markets, as street vendors reclaim their spots in the wake of a footpath clearance drive by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

Areas such as Jayanagar, Mahadevapura, and Malleshwaram, once emptied of illegally encroached stalls, now witness a resurgence of vendors peddling fruits, flowers, fast foods and other materials.

While the BBMP celebrated the success of their clearance, the ground reality reveals a different story – vendors lost possessions during the drive, only to return with newfound resilience.

A kabab seller in Shivaji Nagar said, “We lost some stuff during that drive – our stalls, our stools, and even some of our goods. Now, we're back and we don't care anymore. We have 100s of customers and this is not about breaking rules. We are part of the city and we are just here, where we belong.”

This cycle between authorities and vendors underscores the existence of these individuals.

The BBMP clears, vendors return, and the cycle repeats. Amid this endless loop, the call for rights and regulations has also emerged.

Groups like Bengaluru Jilla Beedhi Vyapari Sanghatanegala Okkuta are advocating for recognition and adherence to the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.

They seek licenses, renewals, and integration into the city's fabric, not just its peripheries.

They urge that they have been part of the city’s ecosystem for decades and are demanding their rightful place. However, when News Trail reached out to BBMP officials, there appeared to be a disconnect.

They denied vendors' returns, emphasising the success of their drive. This highlights the disparity between official statements and the actual experiences of those navigating the city's complex landscape.

Ignoring the presence of vendors is not a viable solution. They are not intruders but integral to Bengaluru's vibrant ecosystem, offering convenience, affordability, and a human connection in an increasingly impersonal world.

Finding a harmonious solution demands acknowledging the vendors' reality. Implementing the Street Vendors Act in both spirit and practice is crucial.

Zoning, dedicated vending spaces, and streamlined licensing processes can bring structure and security for vendors and pedestrians alike. Chetan Sodaye, Senior Program Associate at World Resources Institute India (WRI India), suggests that the city should be inclusive for everyone, including street vendors as they are also part of the city.

The vendors' being back on the footpath is not just defiance of eviction; it's a plea for inclusion.

It's a call for the city to recognise their lives which is an important part of the city. Ignoring their existence risks leaving the city with several unresolved problems.