GBA undertakes footpath encroachment eviction drive in Gandhi Bazaar, Basavanagudi

BENGALURU: The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) undertook a footpath encroachment eviction operation in Basavanagudi and Gandhi Bazaar on Wednesday. The Bengaluru Central Corporation started the clearance drive in Gandhi Bazaar, shocking those who had occupied the pedestrian pathways.

The civic officials cleared the shops that were encroaching on the footpaths, leading to arguments between the authorities and the public. The GBA carried out the footpath encroachment clearance in the Gandhi Bazaar area, and street vendors were upset by sudden action.

Those trading beyond the designated spots, in extra space, were also shocked and a total of five shops were cleared. Many traders have not received any compensation for their stalls, leaving them wondering where to set up shop. The traders are exasperated, and the street vendors vented their anger against the GBA.

Street vendors expressed their outrage against the GBA as it has ruined Gandhi Bazaar. “There is no proper system; the footpaths have been arbitrarily blocked, making trade impossible. The authorities come, dismantled the shops, and leveled the structure”, they said.