Significant Update

An RTI activist has alleged that more than 50 food stalls continue to operate on footpaths in Vijayanagar in Bengaluru even though their Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licences expired in August last year.

Illegal Operations and Safety Concerns Raised

RTI activist Veeresh claimed that many stall owners cook food using LPG cylinders directly on footpaths while ignoring basic safety norms. According to him, authorities officially granted licences to only 17 vendors, yet more than 50 stalls currently operate in the area. Of those 17 licensed vendors, only seven belong to Vijayanagar and Govindaraja Nagar, and even those licences expired last August.

Vendors Allegedly Violating Supreme Court Guidelines

Veeresh alleged that several vendors openly violate Supreme Court guidelines for street vending. The guidelines allow vendors to sell ready-to-eat items such as cooked food, sliced fruits, and juices, but prohibit cooking on-site. He also claimed that many stalls operate within restricted zones, including within 100 metres of places of worship, schools, colleges, hospitals, and railway stations, as well as within 150 metres of municipal markets.

Complaint Filed Before Lokayukta

Despite repeated complaints, police and civic authorities have allegedly failed to act against the vendors. Veeresh said he has now approached the Lokayukta, which has issued notices to the vendors involved. The Lokayukta is scheduled to conduct an inquiry on May 11. He further warned that LPG cylinders placed on footpaths pose a serious fire risk. In several parts of Vijayanagar, the stalls and cylinders reportedly obstruct pedestrian movement, especially for women, children, and elderly residents.

Source: The New Indian Express