Bengaluru to fine, file FIRs against repeat footpath encroachers

Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has directed civic authorities to take strict action against street vendors who return to footpaths after encroachments have been cleared. He instructed officials to seize goods, impose fines and register FIRs against repeat offenders. The minister said continuous monitoring was essential to ensure cleared footpaths remain accessible to pedestrians.

According to officials, encroachment clearance drives have covered 1,373.32 km of roads across five municipal corporation jurisdictions. Gowda directed each jurisdiction to form joint task forces involving police and civic officials for regular and surprise inspections. Fresh encroachments must be documented through photographs and geo-tagged information to track repeat violations.

The minister also proposed identifying alternative locations on main roads and important junctions where vending can take place without obstructing pedestrian or vehicular movement. He noted the objective is not to disrupt livelihoods. Officials have been asked to strengthen coordination between civic bodies and police for prompt action.