GBA razes cobbler shops in Jayanagar, vendors say they sought a day’s time
The Greater Bengaluru Authority demolished several cobbler shops in Jayanagar as part of a footpath clearing initiative. Vendors expressed frustration, claiming they were denied a requested one-day grace period to relocate their belongings.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the tension between urban development/infrastructure maintenance and the livelihoods of informal street vendors.
As part of the ongoing safe footpath drive against encroachments, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on Monday demolished at least five cobbler shops on 4th Main Road in Jayanagar, with street vendors arguing that they were not given enough time to clear their belongings.
Vendors said they pleaded with officials to allow them a day to remove their shops and contacted unions and others for help, but the demolition was carried out using earthmovers. Vendors said that when they resisted, police and GBA officials told them they were acting on court directions to remove structures located on footpaths.
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