The Mangaluru City Corporation’s recent eviction drive against footpath vendors has proved short-lived as vendors have quickly returned, raising questions about the operation’s effectiveness.
On July 29, the Mayor of Mangaluru, having voiced strong concerns about the inconvenience caused by footpath vendors, launched an eviction drive with considerable fanfare. The initiative aimed to address traffic congestion and public nuisance due to vendors and their customers parking by the roadside. Conducted with police protection and extensive media coverage, the operation underscored the city’s determination to clear footpaths and ensure smooth traffic flow.
However, within just a day, vendors reoccupied their spots, setting up their stalls again. A photo taken at 5:30 PM on July 31 outside the Mangaluru City Corporation swimming pool on K.F. Road shows the vendors back in action, occupying the same spaces from which they were evicted.
Residents and commuters have expressed frustration over the rapid return of the vendors, questioning the eviction drive’s effectiveness and purpose. Many believe that without a sustainable plan and regular enforcement, such efforts will only provide temporary relief.
The swift return of the vendors highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to managing footpath vending, balancing the needs of vendors with the necessity of maintaining public order and safety.