Mangaluru's Operation Tiger Targets Illegal Vendors; New Vending Zones Planned

Mangaluru Mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur has announced that “Operation Tiger,” an initiative to remove illegal footpath vendors and street food sellers, will continue for another year. During a monthly phone-in program on Friday, the mayor stated that the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has contracted an agency to manage this operation for the next year, indicating a sustained effort to regulate street vending in the city.

The MCC has identified 33 designated vending zones within city limits to organize street vendors systematically. “Through Operation Tiger, we have removed all unauthorized petty shops across the city,” the mayor said. A new vending zone, equipped with essential facilities like electricity and drinking water, has been created near the State Bank bus stand and will accommodate 93 street vendors. This zone is set to be inaugurated on Saturday.

The MCC has identified 667 street vendors eligible for these designated areas. They will be issued identity cards once they submit the required affidavits. Currently, only 10 vendors have received their identity cards. Rekha J Shetty, the zonal commissioner, added that specific spaces within the vending zones will be allocated for vendors selling flowers, fancy items, food, fruits, and vegetables.

Additionally, the mayor addressed other city concerns, including plans to develop a pay-and-park facility in Kavoor, previously occupied illegally by street vendors. Facilities are already in place at the Kavoor Market complex for vendors.

Addressing issues raised by callers, the mayor mentioned plans to discuss the problematic railway gate at Pandeshwar with Southern Railway officials and the local MP to ease traffic congestion. He also addressed encroachments near the KSRTC bus stand, where shops have placed unauthorized ‘no parking’ boards. Notices will be served to those violating public space regulations.

Further, the mayor disclosed plans for the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) to study the seepage of sewage into Gujjarakere, a historic lake. Despite previous studies by MCC engineers and KUDCEMP, the source of the sewage remains unidentified. The new study aims to find a lasting solution to preserve the lake’s health.

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