Two disabled street vendors near the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Padil have alleged that their flower stalls were demolished during the Mangaluru City Corporation’s (MCC) Operation Tiger eviction drive, disrupting the only source of income for their families.

The incident has drawn criticism from street vendors’ associations, which have accused civic authorities of acting without considering the vendors’ rights and circumstances.

Vendors allege loss of livelihood

According to the Dakshina Kannada Street Vendors Association (CITU), the flower stalls of Chandrahas and Sunitha were removed during the eviction drive conducted on Saturday.

Association honorary president B.K. Imthiyaz said both vendors had been operating at the location for nearly 12 years and possessed valid identity cards and trade certificates issued by the city corporation.

He alleged that despite holding the required documents, the vendors were not spared during the operation.

Disabled vendors narrate hardship

Chandrahas, who has a reported 75 per cent disability, said he had been selling flowers near the DC’s office to support his family.

He claimed that the demolition was carried out without prior notice or any alternative arrangements being offered.

“I hold a trade certificate and an identity card issued by the city corporation. My livelihood has been affected by this action,” he said.

Sunitha, a disabled widow, said street vending was her only means of supporting her children after losing her husband to cancer.

She expressed concern over her future, stating that the eviction had left her without a source of income.

Association extends support

Following the incident, Imthiyaz visited the site along with other members of the association and assured the affected vendors of support in their efforts to resume business.

He criticised the manner in which the eviction was carried out and urged authorities to adopt a more humane approach while implementing civic regulations.

MCC promises alternative arrangement

Rekha J. Shetty, Zonal Commissioner (in-charge), said seven street vendors were evicted from the area as part of Operation Tiger.

However, she stated that the corporation would make alternative arrangements for the two disabled vendors on humanitarian grounds.

According to the official, the vendors would be permitted to continue their business using carts, provided public movement is not obstructed.