Mangaluru: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on Sunday launched a major eviction drive to clear roadside vendors operating on footpaths near the Town Hall area, removing unauthorised stalls and restoring pedestrian access in one of the city’s busiest locations.
MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik personally supervised the operation and issued directions to civic officials as encroachments were removed. The drive was carried out as part of the corporation’s efforts to enforce civic regulations and ensure that public pathways remain free from obstructions.
Commissioner warns vendors against footpath trading
Before the eviction drive commenced, the commissioner interacted with several vendors and explained that carrying out business activities on footpaths was not permitted under prevailing laws and civic regulations.
He reportedly warned that the corporation would continue to take action against unauthorised vendors occupying public spaces and obstructing pedestrian movement.
The MCC has been facing repeated complaints regarding encroachments on footpaths in the Town Hall area, with residents and pedestrians raising concerns over the difficulties caused by the narrowing of public pathways.
Officials said the clearance drive was necessary to ensure compliance with civic rules and to improve accessibility and safety for the public.
Vendors make emotional appeal
The eviction operation led to emotional scenes as several affected vendors appealed to the authorities to reconsider the decision.
The vendors stated that they had been earning their livelihood in the area for nearly four decades and requested the corporation to provide an alternative place for conducting business.
“We have been doing business honestly for 40 years. We are not thieves, sir. Please provide us with an alternative arrangement,” the vendors pleaded before the officials.
However, when informed that no immediate alternative arrangements could be provided, the vendors continued to seek relief and appealed for justice.
The commissioner, while acknowledging their concerns, reiterated that rules and regulations must be followed and said the corporation could not permit trading activities on public footpaths.
Tension during eviction operation
Tension prevailed during the drive as several vendors objected to the removal of their stalls and attempted to resist the enforcement action.
Police personnel deployed at the spot intervened and detained those who tried to obstruct the operation. The individuals were later removed from the area in police vehicles, allowing the drive to continue without further disruption.
The presence of senior civic and police officials ensured that the operation was completed smoothly despite opposition from some vendors.
Civic body focuses on pedestrian access
The Town Hall area is one of Mangaluru’s busiest commercial and transit zones, witnessing heavy movement of pedestrians and vehicles throughout the day. Civic officials said that the encroachment of footpaths by vendors had caused inconvenience to the public and forced many pedestrians to walk on the roads, posing safety concerns.
The MCC maintained that the eviction drive was aimed at restoring free movement on footpaths and ensuring that public spaces are used in accordance with existing regulations.
While the operation has drawn mixed reactions, with some supporting the move to clear encroachments and others expressing concern over the livelihood of long-time vendors, the civic body has indicated that similar enforcement drives may continue in other parts of the city to prevent unauthorised occupation of public spaces.