Footpath vendors encroach roads now; residents irked

City Municipal Council urged to take appropriate measures

Footpath vendors occupying roads and other junctions during festivals is a common sight as the demand exceeds the supply in official markets.

But, the road space being encroached upon by vendors even on normal days has irked the residents here, especially vehicle users. Vendors in makeshift shops make hay while the sun shines. They do good business, but once the business is over, leftovers are dumped on the road.  Public prefer wide, clean roads and footpaths and adequate parking space. But, residents of the city have no sufficient space even to ride their vehicles. The roads are wide, but vendors occupy both sides on it. Pushcarts and makeshift shops were a common sight on footpaths, now, they can be seen even on roads.

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is planning to construct a commercial complex on the site of the old bus stand. If it is completed, hundreds of four-wheelers and two-wheelers can be parked inside, thus decongesting roads in the area.
But, that is still in infancy. At present, the city municipal council should take steps to rehabilitate footpath vendors and clear footpaths and roads.