Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s growing street vending ecosystem has once again come under the spotlight following an assault on civic officials during an anti-encroachment drive in Shivajinagar, reigniting the debate over balancing pedestrian rights with the livelihoods of thousands of vendors.
While street vending remains a crucial source of income for many families, experts and vendors alike say poor implementation of existing laws has worsened the situation across the city.
Footpaths increasingly occupied by vendors
Sampige Road in Malleswaram, once known as one of Bengaluru’s busiest shopping streets, illustrates the city’s changing streetscape. Over the years, the number of vendors increased significantly, leaving limited space for pedestrians.
Before the launch of the civic body’s ‘Safe Footpath’ campaign, officials estimated that nearly 600 vendors operated along both sides of Sampige Road.
According to civic estimates, Bengaluru has around 30,000 registered street vendors, though the actual number is believed to exceed two lakh, with many temporary stalls gradually becoming permanent structures.
Law exists, implementation remains weak
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 provides a legal framework for regulating vending while protecting livelihoods.
The law requires civic authorities to identify vending and non-vending zones, determine the carrying capacity of each area, collect vending fees and ensure that vendors do not erect permanent structures or transfer their licences.
However, many of these provisions remain largely unenforced, resulting in repeated conflicts between vendors, residents and civic authorities.
Vendors seek legal protection
Street vendors say better implementation of the law would benefit both the government and those dependent on vending.
A vendor from Vijayanagar said proper regulation would provide legal protection while generating revenue through vending fees. Instead, many vendors claim they face repeated eviction drives and are forced to navigate multiple informal demands to continue operating.
Experts call for planned regulation
Advocate Vinay K Sreenivasa, who works on street vendors’ rights, said authorities have prioritised eviction drives over implementing the legal framework.
He noted that the law requires detailed surveys, stakeholder consultations and proper demarcation of vending and non-vending zones, but these steps have largely been overlooked.
As Bengaluru continues to expand, the debate highlights the need for a balanced approach that safeguards public spaces while ensuring dignified livelihoods for thousands of street vendors.