NewsKarnataka-Mysore

Mysore : The footpaths in the city are fast turning out to be haven for roadside vendors in the city.The authorities have been facing difficulty in relocating roadside vendors off Krishnavilas Road, Ashoka Road and off Purandaradasa Road close to Mysore Palace gate.

The presence f the vendors on footpaths has forced the pedestrians to walk along a steep way on those roads. Vendors selling food and tea have set up makeshift stalls and doing business on the newly built footpath. The footpath, given facelift under the city beautification project, is complete with railings.

The issue assumes importance because the civic authorities have allegedly failed to evacuate the vendors from Ashoka Road and Krishnavilasa Road, thanks to interference from influential people. Also, the efforts to create food court to relocate the vendors from these stretches have gone in vain.

When the former mayor and corporator Ayub Khan was questioned he said that the footpaths are meant for pedestrians.  “Mysore City Corporation officials have to protect their interest. There are instances of how footpaths are turning into food joints. But the civic officials have not learnt a lesson. As per my information, the officials are silent about the issue in spite of knowing the pedestrians plight,” he added.

When contacted, MCC health officer D G Nagaraj said that footpaths are for the public. “We have warned the vendors near Mysore Palace not to carry out business there. We will start a drive from Tuesday to clear the space,” he added.