Bengaluru, March 20 (NationPress) Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar declared on Friday that street vending will be prohibited on Bengaluru’s primary and secondary roads as part of a new policy aimed at enhancing pedestrian traffic flow throughout the city.

While speaking to the press after a meeting regarding the budget preparations of Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) corporations and an executive session held at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar, who also oversees Bengaluru Development, stated that the government is drafting an extensive footpath policy to tackle encroachments and guarantee safe passage for pedestrians.

He expressed that citizens currently face challenges due to street vendors occupying footpaths.

Additionally, the Deputy Chief Minister announced measures against abandoned vehicles parked on roads for prolonged periods. Such vehicles will be towed and relocated to designated sites, a responsibility assigned to the police. Potential locations include Bellahalli, Bidaganahalli, Biddanahalli, and Sondekoppa, with plans to expand this list.

Regarding towing, he noted that each corporation has been equipped with two vehicles specifically for the removal of illegally parked cars, especially in no-parking zones.

The government has committed to providing designated areas for vendors while ensuring that footpaths remain open for public use. Specific streets will be identified for sanctioned street vending, a decision that has garnered unanimous backing from legislators across various parties, Shivakumar affirmed.

He mentioned that approximately 60,000 street vendors have registered thus far, with nearly 30,000 requesting vending vehicles. A tender has been initiated for this purpose.

Only vendors with valid identity cards will be permitted to operate, and strict measures will be enforced against unauthorized vendors.

Warning vendors against leaving carts on streets overnight, he stated that authorities would confiscate any items found abandoned after business hours.

The Deputy Chief Minister also proposed severe penalties to combat the increasing number of illegal flex banners around the city. A fine ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh per banner is currently under consideration.

Shivakumar pointed out that despite repeated warnings, flex banners celebrating birthdays and other events continue to be erected indiscriminately.

The government has established specific areas for advertising, and permissions must be secured for their use.

On civic management, Shivakumar mentioned that decisions regarding the operational hours of parks within municipal boundaries will be made in collaboration with local MLAs.

In response to demands from MLAs for allocations of Rs 5-10 crore per ward, Shivakumar remarked that the requests were excessive and would be assessed.

When questioned about reports of a candidate submitting a nomination ahead of the official announcement for the Davanagere by-election, he indicated he would comment only after gathering complete information.