After the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) evicted street vendors from Church Street, some have found temporary space at the MG Road metro station, where they operate on weekends.

Key developments:

  • BBMP Eviction Drive: In October, BBMP Zonal Commissioner (East) Snehal R led a crackdown on illegal structures, removing approximately 70 food stalls from Church Street.
  • Legal Restrictions: BBMP Zonal Commissioner (East) Preeti Gehlot cited Section 21 2(b) of the Street Vendors Act, which prohibits stationary vending on roads with widths between 4.5 and 9 metres, except on one-way roads. Church Street, with a road width of 5.5 metres, falls under this restriction.
  • Disruption due to Revamp Work: Revamp efforts under the Unboxing BLR initiative, part of Namma Bengaluru Namma Koduge, have caused further delays in completing pedestrian infrastructure on Church Street.

Vendors’ Struggles:

  • Naveen’s Challenges: Naveen, a former vendor on Church Street, now sets up his stall only on weekends at MG Road metro station while working as a bike taxi driver on weekdays. He struggles with the eviction’s impact on his family, as he is the sole breadwinner.
  • Unmet Promises: Naveen and other vendors were assured of licenses for designated vending areas, but none have been issued.
  • Shared Space at MG Road Metro Station: Naveen now shares a 50 sqft area with two other vendors, collectively paying Rs 50,000 in rent to BMRCL.

Criticism of Eviction:

  • Legal Concerns: Advocate Vinay Sreenivasa criticized the eviction as illegal, stating that proper relocation should have been arranged before the removal of vendors.
  • Unfair Decision: CE Rangaswamy, state president of the Karnataka Beedi Badi Vyaparigala Sanghatana Okkuta (R), called the decision unfair, noting that the government failed to provide an alternative vending space, leaving vendors in a vulnerable situation.

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