Lokayukta drive clears footpath encroachments on Bengaluru's Food Street

Footpaths cleared after sustained action

Bengaluru's Lokayukta police have cleared footpath encroachments on the city's popular Food Street, ending a long-standing problem that had forced pedestrians onto busy roads. The drive, carried out over recent days, removed illegal stalls and temporary structures that had occupied the walkways for months.

Officials said the action was triggered by complaints from residents and daily commuters who found it impossible to use the footpaths. The encroachments had narrowed the walking space to barely a few feet in some stretches, leaving pedestrians with little choice but to step onto the carriageway.

What the drive covered

The Lokayukta team, accompanied by local police and civic workers, dismantled the unauthorised structures and cleared the debris. Vendors who had set up shop on the footpath without permits were asked to vacate, and their materials were seized.

Sources said the drive was planned after a review of the area, which is known for its dense cluster of eateries and heavy footfall, especially in the evenings. The operation was carried out without major incident, though some vendors initially resisted before being persuaded to cooperate.

Public response and next steps

Residents have welcomed the move, saying it restores a sense of order to the area. Pedestrians, who earlier had to dodge vehicles and parked two-wheelers, can now walk freely on the cleared paths.

However, some have expressed concern that the encroachments could return once the drive concludes. To address this, the Lokayukta has reportedly asked the local municipal authorities to conduct regular inspections and take preventive action against repeat violations.

Part of a broader cleanliness effort

The drive is part of a wider push by the Lokayukta to tackle illegal encroachments across Bengaluru. In recent months, similar operations have been conducted in other commercial corridors, where footpaths had been taken over by vendors and even permanent constructions.

Officials have not yet confirmed whether further drives are planned in other parts of the city, but they have indicated that the focus will remain on ensuring public spaces are not misused.

For now, Food Street offers a cleaner, safer walking experience, and the expectation is that the authorities will maintain the momentum.