Demolition drive catches kiosk owners off-guard

Pedestrian friendly: Encroachments around bus stand cleared

Interestingly when the drive was launched in the early hours, it was the police personnel who usually book violators, found themselves in dock, when a pre-paid autorickshaw centre at the entrance of the bus stand was zeroed in on for demolition.

But, it was deferred for a couple of hours, when a posse of police personnel intervened alleging that the corporation authorities should have issued a prior notice. Eventually, the issue was solved, when the police agreed to shift to the new premises inside the bus stand, in two days.

The prepaid counter was the second after the similar facility at the railway station, opened on October 23, 2005.

Apart from the counter that was functioning in a small room, the autorickshaws parked on the footpaths had encroached the very space, forcing the pedestrians to take to the busy main road, thus depriving them of using the space exclusively meant for them.

At the other side of the footpath, petty shops and kiosks stretching up to Chandragupta Road, beside the church next to the bus stand were also evicted to facilitate pedestrians.
Alternate place

However, nine kiosks belonging to cobblers, sponsored by Leather Industries Development Corporation Karnataka (Lidkar) were given alternate space on the other end of the road. Though there were light skirmishes with the shop owners venting ire over the local body for the surprise drive, the drive otherwise went off peacefully. Most of the traders who had arrived to resume the day’s business were caught off guard, but had no choice other than watching roaring earth movers and cranes reducing their shops to rubble.

Temple too

Varasiddi Vinayaka Temple, at Halladakeri behind the bus stand was also removed on the occasion. According to official sources, the temple was demolished after the parties concerned didn’t heed to the notice urging them to clear the same on their own volition.

Apart from three earth movers and six cranes, gangmen attached to Dhanush, emergency wing of MCC was also utilised in the drive.

Assistant Commissioner Thimmappa led the drive, with police cover, under the leadership of ACP (Devaraja sub-division) Cheluvaraju.