Hundreds of street vendors gathered at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Wednesday to protest the Greater Bengaluru Authority’s (GBA) ongoing footpath clearance campaign, alleging that the eviction drive is threatening the livelihoods of thousands of families. Several vendor associations called for a citywide shutdown of street vending activities, demanding an immediate halt to the eviction process and strict implementation of the provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
The protest comes amid the GBA’s “Safe Footpath Campaign,” launched on July 1 to remove encroachments from major roads and improve pedestrian safety across Bengaluru. Civic officials say the drive is focused on reclaiming footpaths occupied by illegal structures, temporary stalls, and other obstructions, making walkways safer and more accessible for pedestrians. The authorities have stated that hundreds of kilometres of footpaths are being cleared as part of the initiative.
Vendor unions, however, argue that many of those being evicted are registered street vendors who have operated legally for years. They claim civic officials have confiscated goods and removed stalls without issuing prior notices or providing alternative vending spaces, which they say violates the Street Vendors Act. Protest leaders have urged the government to establish designated vending zones before carrying out further evictions and have warned of larger demonstrations if their demands are not addressed.
The issue has sparked a wider debate over balancing pedestrian rights with the livelihoods of informal workers. While many residents have welcomed efforts to reclaim footpaths for public use, others believe the city must provide sustainable rehabilitation measures for vendors who depend on street vending as their primary source of income. Urban planners have suggested that dedicated vending zones could offer a long-term solution that protects both pedestrian mobility and small businesses.
Government officials have reiterated that the clearance drive will continue but have indicated they are open to discussions with vendor representatives to find a balanced solution that complies with existing laws while ensuring safe and accessible public spaces across Bengaluru.
news as reported
