GBA Demolishes Five Cobbler Shops on 4th Main Road in Jayanagar

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) demolished at least five cobbler shops on 4th Main Road in Jayanagar on Monday as part of an ongoing safe footpath drive against encroachments.

The demolition was executed using earthmovers. Street vendors operating the stalls stated that they were not given adequate time to clear their belongings before officials moved in to destroy the structures.

According to the vendors, they pleaded with authorities for a one-day extension to clear their inventory and reached out to vendor unions and supporters for assistance. When shopkeepers resisted the demolition, police and GBA officials informed them that the drive was being conducted under court directions to remove structures from footpaths.

The affected vendors contended that their shops were situated in a corner of the road and did not impede pedestrians. They noted that they had been running their businesses at the location for years without causing disturbance, and expressed anger that officials did not allow them time to retrieve items inside the shops prior to the demolition.