In Bengaluru, 435 km of footpaths have been freed from encroachment. Chief Minister DK Shivkumar said that this campaign will continue. He also assured to create vending zones for street vendors. 900 pedestrians had died in the last 3 years.
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [भारत]July 10 (ANI): Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced here today that 435 km of footpaths in Bengaluru have been cleared of encroachments and the cleanliness drive will continue in all five corporations. The CM visited the state capital to review operations to remove footpath encroachments in various parts of the city and took an update from Bengaluru Urban Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Complete details of encroachment removal
Speaking to reporters near the Ashoka Pillar, the CM said, “There were a total of 1,340 shops and around 1,800 handcarts. Owners of the handcarts have been allowed to take their carts. About 2,267 tin sheets in front of the shops have also been removed. 2,300 stairs and ramps, 2,662 pillars and boards, and 2,247 sheds have been cleared.” The debris removed has been disposed of, and repair work is also being done on the footpath.”
CM’s assurance to street vendors
Referring to street vendors, Shivakumar said, “There is no need to worry. The poor are our people. Business cannot be allowed on any land, whether private or government. Our government will also provide opportunities to street vendors.” He said the government would resume the process of issuing identity cards to street vendors after the earlier practice was stayed by the court, and added that designated vending zones would be identified where they could ply their trade.
Mafia’s hand behind encroachment
The Chief Minister alleged that a “big mafia” was at work behind the encroachment and claimed that unruly elements were extorting money from vendors. “We have given a free hand to the police and GBA officials. A clean Bengaluru is our goal. The entire nation is watching Bengaluru,” he said.
Campaign for pedestrian safety
Highlighting the need for this drive, Shivakumar said that more than 900 pedestrians have died in the last three years and added that the exercise is being done to improve the safety of pedestrians and reduce congestion on the roads. Responding to concerns over alternative arrangements for street vendors, he said the government will identify suitable locations where vendors can do business without causing inconvenience to traffic or property owners.
Decision on Jaynagar market will be taken soon
On Jaynagar Market, Shivkumar said that a decision will be taken soon. “A decision on Jaynagar Market will be taken soon. Half the building has been completed; the other half is still to be completed. This work will also be done soon under some plan. We will work to protect our property and at the same time respect our citizens,” he said. (ANI)
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