MCC Commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey during an inspection of footpaths in the Central Business District soon after taking charge in Mangaluru.
| Photo Credit: File Photo
Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner Rahul Ratnam Pandey on Thursday said he would soon form a committee to suggest measures to remove encroachments on footpaths.Speaking to reporters here, Mr. Pandey said the committee would comprise representatives of civil society, the general public, and other stakeholders. While the Supreme Court has categorically stated that the right to walk is a fundamental right, wide footpaths could also accommodate vendors, The committee would thoroughly examine the issues involved and suggest measures to the corporation, he said.The civic body was committed to ensuring a safe walking path for citizens, he said. All encroachments on footpaths across the city would be removed in the coming days, the Commissioner added.Mr. Pandey said the corporation was in the process of identifying vending zones to help street vendors carry out their business. Only residents of Karnataka would be issued identity cards to carry out vending, with only one member of a family being eligible for a card.Regarding the illegal conversion of basement parking for commercial activities in high-rise buildings, Mr. Pandey said the corporation would not allow such diversion. Strict action would be taken against such violations, thereby restoring parking facilities in buildings.In the coming days, the corporation will launch a drive against the preparation and sale of unhygienic food, right from roadside eateries to hotels and bakeries. The MCC’s Health Section would work with the Food Safety and Drugs Administration, Mr. Pandey said. Published - August 13, 2026 08:13 pm IST
