Bengaluru Street Vendors Seek Meeting Over Footpath Eviction Fears

Street vendors in Bengaluru have expressed concerns over possible evictions ahead of the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s (GBA) ‘Safe Footpath’ drive. They allege that civic officials are using remarks by Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on clearing encroachments to threaten them, even before any official order has been issued.

The ‘Safe Footpath’ drive, set to begin on Wednesday, aims to clear footpaths of encroachments to ensure pedestrian safety. Minister Gowda had stated last week that if encroachments continue beyond June 30, the corporation will remove them and impose heavy penalties.

The Karnataka Pragathipara Beedi Vyaparigala Sangha, an AICCTU-affiliated union representing street vendors, welcomed the minister’s statement on proper use of footpaths but noted that municipal corporations under the GBA are misusing the statement to threaten eviction. This has created anxiety among vendors across the city, the union said in a statement.

Street vendors highlighted that they are legitimate users of public spaces under the Street Vendors (Protection and Regulation of Livelihoods) Act, 2014. Many have been surveyed by authorities and have availed loans under the PM SVANidhi scheme. They urged the minister to meet with their representatives before commencing the campaign to address their concerns.

The union emphasised that vendors are willing to cooperate with the drive but want clarity on relocation and rehabilitation measures. They also pointed out that footpath encroachments are not limited to vendors, and a blanket approach could unfairly target those trying to earn a livelihood legally.

As the drive begins, the standoff highlights the challenge of balancing pedestrian rights with the livelihoods of street vendors, a key issue in urban governance. The minister’s office has not yet responded to the request for a meeting.