Bengaluru: August 30 deadline set for complete footpath, waste, vehicle clearance

The Greater Bengaluru Development Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, has directed civic officials to complete the ongoing city-wide clearance of footpath encroachments, construction waste, and abandoned vehicles by August 30. The directive was issued during a review meeting on Wednesday (August 19), where the Minister emphasised the need for stricter enforcement against repeat offenders and simultaneous repair of cleared footpaths.

According to officials, the clearance drive covers nearly 1,500 km of arterial and sub-arterial roads under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits. As of now, encroachments along 964 km of footpaths have been cleared. The remaining stretches are to be cleared before the deadline, with repairs taken up wherever encroachments have been removed.

The Minister also addressed concerns about vendors returning to previously cleared areas. He instructed officials to seize materials from those found re-encroaching and impose double the penalty. Continuous monitoring of cleared stretches was called for, and a joint meeting of civic and police officials will be held to strengthen enforcement and prevent re-occupation.

Under the 'Freedom from Waste' campaign, the five city corporations have identified 1,02,002 tonnes of construction and demolition waste at 4,483 locations. So far, 43,492 tonnes have been cleared from 1,810 locations. The Minister directed officials to intensify the clearance and monitoring of such waste. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has been asked to conduct a cleanliness drive around Hebbal Junction.

For abandoned vehicles, the Minister directed the city corporations to assign Junior Health Inspectors, civic workers' supervisors, and marshals the responsibility of issuing notices to vehicles found abandoned on public spaces. This is part of the third drive, which also carries the August 30 deadline.

Once all three drives are completed, the GBA will put in place a mechanism for citizens to report any remaining problems. Mr. Gowda warned that officials would be held accountable for lapses or ineffective implementation of these directives.

The clearance drive is part of the government's broader effort to make Bengaluru's footpaths walkable and free of unauthorised structures, improve hygiene, and declutter public spaces. Citizens have long complained about encroachments and waste, and the new deadline is intended to provide a clear timeline for visible results.

Officials have been asked to submit progress reports regularly and ensure that cleared stretches remain accessible. The joint enforcement mechanism with the police is expected to deter repeat violations and help sustain the gains of the drive.