Vendors alleged that in an early morning drive, BBMP officials arrived with vehicles to seize their goods.
Credit: BBMP
Bengaluru: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials early on Friday morning evicted 20 street vendors on Byrasandra Main Road.
Vendors, who were surprised by the sudden eviction, said that no prior notification was issued. They said that removal of all stalls — from tea carts to small eateries — caused significant losses.
"Since the stalls are close to Nimhans, mornings are busy. We had brought food and other perishables to meet the demand. With the sudden eviction, everything is damaged. We have suffered heavy losses,” said Savitha, one of the vendors.
Vendors also alleged that BBMP officials arrived with vehicles to seize their goods.
“If they take the goods, they rarely return them intact. Either the quantity is reduced, or the items are damaged and unusable. That is why we packed up as quickly as we could to stop them from taking our things,” said another vendor.
Despite seeking an explanation, the vendors said the officials offered no response.
A view of the street amid eviction of street vendors
Credit: Special arrangement
“They only told us to visit the BBMP office and speak to higher authorities,” Savitha added.
Activists noted that evicting street vendors without prior notice is illegal. Section 18 of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, mandates a 30-day notice before any eviction or relocation.
The vendors have submitted a petition to the BBMP, requesting permission to resume business, but have yet to receive a response.