Bengaluru: Kasturi Nagar residents march to raise voice against encroachments

Hundreds of residents of Kasturi Nagar took to the streets after their repeated pleas to the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) fell on deaf ears. They embarked on a 1.5 KM walk from Bangalore One, 2nd main road to Nanda Gokula Hotel. This was organised by the Kasturi Nagar RWA (Resident Welfare Association). On the way they had sustained interactions with the shopkeepers who had set stalls on the footpath, urging them to clear the way since pedestrian safety is of paramount importance. Apart from this the footpath was also being used to park vehicles. Certain hotel establishments had also come on to the footpaths in the area. This had reportedly resulted in a spike in road accidents. 

We were assisted by Traffic Police officials and the footpath was cleared,” Venugopal Rai, a member of the Kasturi Nagar RWA told the Bangalore Mirror.  “There is no space on footpaths for pedestrians to walk. The space is being used for parking and running business establishments and not for walking. We wanted to reclaim the space. BBMP has to take strict action against this.” he added. The footpath was cleared by the vendors momentarily but the protestors feared that this might not be a long lasting solution.