Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 28: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on Sunday morning launched a major eviction drive to clear roadside vendors operating on the footpaths near the Town Hall area of the city.

MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik was present at the spot and personally supervised the operation, issuing directions to officials as encroachments were cleared. The drive was carried out as part of enforcement action against unauthorised vending and obstruction of public pathways.

Ahead of the operation, the commissioner interacted with vendors on site and issued a firm warning, stating that trading on the footpath was not permitted under prevailing laws and civic regulations.

In response, the affected street vendors made an emotional appeal, stating that they had been earning their livelihood in the area for nearly four decades. “We have been doing business honestly for 40 years. We are not thieves, sir. Please provide us with an alternative arrangement,” they pleaded with officials.

When informed that alternative arrangements could not be provided, the vendors urged reconsideration and appealed for justice. However, the commissioner reiterated that rules must be strictly followed and warned that action would be taken against anyone continuing to violate regulations.

Tensions escalated during the eviction drive as several vendors objected to the clearance operation. Police detained those who attempted to obstruct the enforcement action and removed them from the spot in vehicles.

The MCC maintained that the drive was necessary to ensure compliance with civic rules and to restore free pedestrian movement in the busy Town Hall area.