Wares from big shops occupy footpaths, while small vendors fear eviction in Shivajinagar

Footpath clearance initiatives by the Greater Bengaluru Development Minister have not yielded significant results, with commercial establishments still utilizing footpaths for their businesses. In Shivajinagar, the Lady Curzon Road footpath was cleared amidst chaos and drama following an assault on Central Corporation officials overseeing the process.

Central Corporation Commissioner G. Jagadeesha personally visited the scene to oversee the drive. However, just 50 meters away, footpaths along Central Street are nearly inaccessible due to furniture shops encroaching on the walkway. Thousands of people daily use this stretch, which connects to M.G. Road Metro Station and Commercial Street.

Shradha Prakash, who works nearby, stated that while not all shops are encroaching, many have done so, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road, which is often congested. Arun, a firm employee on Infantry Road, explained that many of his colleagues avoid Central Street because of the encroachments, as they need to walk on the road to access shops.

Street vendors and hawkers fear eviction or cart removal, with juice seller Abhishek Kumar expressing fear of losing business if he moves. Despite warnings from the corporation last month, it remains unclear if the clearance drive has been completed in Central Street.