Footpath encroachments in Malleshwaram cleared

8th, 9th and 10th crossroads near Sampige Road cleared

20 personnel and 4 tractors were deployed to clear encroachments

To tackle the persistent challenge of footpath encroachments in Malleswaram, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) took a proactive step by launching an encroachment clearance campaign on November 3.

The primary focus of this initiative was to clear encroachments on eighth, ninth, and tenth crossroads situated near Sampige Road. The primary objective of this concerted effort was to eradicate the presence of illegal shops and obstructive carts that had been impeding smooth pedestrian movement along the footpaths.

The decision to undertake this operation was influenced by multiple complaints lodged by resident welfare associations and Malleswaram traders’ associations regarding the encroachment issue.

Additionally, a directive from the Karnataka High Court had prompted the BBMP to take immediate action in addressing the encroachments on the footpaths.

The clearance drive commenced at 11.30 am on November 3, with a workforce of 20 personnel and four tractors being deployed for the purpose. As a result of this drive, various unauthorized shops, carts, and piles of fruit boxes that had encroached upon the footpaths were successfully removed, reinstating unobstructed pathways for pedestrians to traverse.

However, some shopkeepers have voiced their grievances, claiming that they were not provided with prior intimation of the drive, leading to substantial financial losses.

The encroachment removal efforts resulted in the clearance of approximately 1.5 kilometers of footpath from unauthorized occupation. The BBMP has sternly cautioned that any attempts by traders to reclaim the footpaths for commercial activities would incur penalties, along with the subsequent removal of the encroachments.