Stalls set up by vendors along the road at Race Course in Coimbatore city on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: SIVA SARAVANAN S
The growing number of unauthorised shops and food stalls near Thomas park at Race Course in Coimbatore city has raised concerns among residents and regular walkers over haphazard parking, littering, and the gradual commercialisation of the area.Race Course and Neighbourhood Association (RANA) managing trustee Ashwin Karthik said several temporary stalls selling clothes, footwear, women’s accessories, perfumes and food items have come up in the area. The absence of dedicated parking space for the stalls and the increasing footfall in the evenings had resulted in vehicles being parked haphazardly, he said.“What was once a peaceful space for walking and fitness is slowly turning into a picnic spot and a commercial street,” Mr. Karthik said. The food stalls had also contributed to littering, with waste often being left in the open, he added.A senior citizen who regularly walks at Race Course, and who did not wish to be identified, said the growing activities had also raised safety concerns. Some visitors were consuming alcohol inside parked vehicles and leaving bottles behind, he alleged. “This place was not meant for social drinking,” he said.He also alleged that several food kiosks disposed of their waste indiscriminately, while only a few stalls had provided dustbins.A senior Corporation official said the unauthorised stalls would be removed. “We will plan and conduct a drive to remove the unauthorised stalls. We will also examine measures to regulate activities other than walking in the Race Course area,” the official said. Published - August 30, 2026 07:59 pm IST
