GBA Clears 490 Kilometres of Footpath Encroachments Across Bengaluru

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has successfully cleared 490.55 kilometres of footpath encroachments across the Bengaluru West, North, South, East, and Central City Corporations. This massive clean-up was executed during a 10-day special drive that commenced on July 1 and concluded on July 10. The initiative was designed to make the city safer, cleaner, and more liveable for its millions of residents, although it has drawn widespread criticism.

According to official data shared by the GBA, the clearance drive targeted various illegal structures and blockages on pedestrian paths across the five major zones of the city. The highest extent of footpath clearance was recorded in the Bengaluru West City Corporation, where municipal teams cleared 122.62 kilometres of encroachments.

The North City division followed closely behind the West, with authorities clearing 115.35 kilometres of blocked footpaths during the 10-day period.

In other parts of the city, the GBA cleared 94.01 kilometres of encroachments in the Bengaluru South City Corporation. Meanwhile, operations in the East City Corporation resulted in the clearance of over 88 kilometres of pedestrian paths, and the Central City Corporation saw 70 kilometres of footpaths cleared.

The massive clearance drive has not been without controversy, drawing widespread criticism targeting Bangalore Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. Critics have raised concerns over the sudden action, but the minister has firmly defended the initiative, stating that real change requires tough measures.

"Real change demands difficult decisions," Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said in response to the criticism. "With the support of the people, we can build a Bengaluru that is safer, cleaner and more liveable."

The minister acknowledged that the drive had met with resistance but maintained that the long-term outcome justified the measures taken to clear the city's pedestrian spaces.

"Change may invite criticism, but if it improves the lives of millions, it’s a price worth paying," Gowda added.