Safe Footpath Campaign runs into conflict with street vendors in Bengaluru
Bengaluru's 'Safe Footpath Campaign' has led to the mass eviction of street vendors, sparking conflict between civic authorities and local trade unions. While the city aims to clear pedestrian pathways, vendors argue that the lack of notice and relocation support violates their livelihood rights.
Why it matters
This conflict illustrates the ongoing tension between urban modernization efforts and the protection of informal sector livelihoods in rapidly growing Indian cities.
Raju K.M., who has been selling earrings, hair clips and other accessories for the past 15 years at Malleshwaram 8th Cross, was one of those evicted during the ongoing ‘Safe Footpath Campaign’ in Bengaluru last week. “They call us encroachers now. We had to fight to prevent officers from seizing our wares, as that would have led to huge losses for us. We are now doing business on some small inner roads, scared like thieves,” he said.
The article presents both the civic body's justification and the vendors' grievances.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in