Karnataka CM assures street vendors of relocation, not displacement in Bengaluru
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday assured street vendors in Bengaluru that the ongoing drive to clear encroachments from roads and footpaths would not deprive them of their livelihoods. He stated that the state government would provide alternative vending spaces and support to registered vendors.
Addressing reporters after inspecting the construction of the new Anubhava Mantapa at Basavakalyan in Bidar district, Mr. Shivakumar said vendors operating on major roads and footpaths would be relocated to nearby side roads wherever feasible. “The urban poor need not panic. We will make alternative arrangements in the side-roads. Registered street vendors will also be provided pushcarts,” he said.
Regarding the Anubhava Mantapa project, the Chief Minister said the government would ensure its early completion without any financial constraints. The project has an estimated cost of ₹742 crore, of which ₹480 crore has already been released. Describing Basavakalyan as the land of Basavanna and the birthplace of the Anubhava Mantapa, Mr. Shivakumar said the project would become an important centre for Basava philosophy, culture, spirituality and tourism.
On the deficient monsoon and demands for drought declaration in parts of north Karnataka, Mr. Shivakumar said the government would decide only after assessing the ground situation. “A drought cannot be declared in a day. We will see, hear and experience the situation. We will study the reports before taking an appropriate decision,” he said.
