BBMP identifies heritage markets in street vendor survey

In a first, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has categorized vending zones across the city during its latest street vendor survey, with several markets designated as heritage sites.

Also Read: Bengaluru gears up for National Science Day 2025 with open-house events

According to the draft survey report, markets have been classified into seven categories: Heritage Market, Natural Market, Bus Stand, Platform, Footpath, Weekly Market, and Others. In the South Zone, areas such as Kalasipalya Market, Gandhi Bazaar, V.V. Puram, and Vijayanagar have been identified as heritage markets. An official indicated that each zone would have at least five such markets, though data for other zones remains undisclosed.

The survey, conducted using the ‘Street Vendors Survey’ mobile app, marks a departure from the 2017 survey by including a column specifying the type of market along with vending locations. The BBMP has completed surveys across eight zones and submitted findings to Zonal Town Vending Committees (TVCs) for review. While scrutiny is underway, the South Zone’s process has been delayed, with the objection period extended until March 3.

Officials explained that heritage markets were identified based on historical and traditional significance, such as proximity to century-old temples or historic structures. However, this designation does not provide special privileges. Other classifications include Natural Markets, Bus Stand Markets, Footpath Markets, and Weekly Markets, based on vending patterns and vendor concentrations.