600 encroachments removed from footpaths across city

What was supposed to be undertaken by the BBMP is now being carried out by the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP)? On Tuesday, traffic cops were seen busy removing footpath encroachments from almost the entire city.

As many as 600 encroachments were removed on the first day of the week-long encroachment drive. Most of them were cleared from around 50 arterial roads, including roads in Hebbal, Hosakerehalli, Old Airport Road, Outer Ring Road in Bellandur, Hosur Road, Bannerghatta Road and others.

“It was a surprise drive where we could nab a lot of unauthorised parking of two and four-wheelers on the footpaths. Many petty shops and street vendors had encroached the footpaths. There were many drives conducted before but looks like this must be a monthly cycle,” said P Harishekaran, additional commissioner of police, traffic.

“The Palike has organised several drives before, but the encroachments have returned. We are going to file cases against repeat-offenders after a month. Footpaths are for pedestrian safety. We received many complaints regarding the encroachments from residents. We finally did it,’ said Harishekaran