Mangaluru City Corporation Orders Removal of Unauthorised Street Vendors to Ease Traffic

The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has issued a strict public directive ordering all unauthorised street vendors operating across the city to voluntarily clear their setups from footpaths and public spaces. The civic body warned that vendors failing to comply within the specified timeline will face immediate legal eviction under Sections 12 and 18 of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. The decision follows a surge in complaints from local residents, civic groups, and commuters regarding severe traffic congestion and pedestrian safety hazards caused by unorganised roadside vending. Increased vehicle density in commercial hubs like Hampankatte, Ladyhill, and Central Market has turned footpaths into illegal commercial zones, forcing pedestrians to walk on busy roadways and increasing the risk of accidents. According to the MCC Central Zone Commissioner, only 667 street vendors who possess valid government-issued vendor identity cards and official vending certificates will be permitted to continue operations in designated zones. All other vendors operating without authorization must vacate immediately. While civic authorities emphasize the need to maintain public order and road safety, street vendor associations have urged the administration to establish proper town vending committees and dedicated vending zones before enforcing strict eviction drives.