Mysuru: Continuing its drive against footpath encroachments, the MCC this morning launched an operation to clear encroachments along stretches of M.G. Road and Vani Vilas Road.

The drive began on M.G. Road, where commercial establishments opposite JSS Hospital had encroached upon footpaths by erecting signboards, extending shade sheets and constructing concrete steps to their shops.

Using an earthmover, MCC personnel removed the boards and shade sheets, while gangmen demolished the concrete steps with pickaxes.

Chetan, Development Officer (DO) of MCC Zone-1, under whose jurisdiction M.G. Road falls, said the Corporation had made prior announcements through a public address system about the footpath clearance drive, prompting shopkeepers to cooperate without resistance.

He said the operation would cover commercial establishments up to the Law Courts Complex on K.R. Boulevard. The stretch from M.L. Somasundaram Circle near the Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Golf Club (JWGC) junction to Agrahara Circle is known as M.G. Road, while the narrower stretch leading to the Court Complex is called Vani Vilas Road.

Yesterday, the drive was carried out in MCC Zone-5, covering Basavanagudi and Surya Bakery Road in Hebbal.

Encroachments by about 17 commercial establishments, including concrete steps, cement benches, railings and tiled pavement extensions, were removed. Flex boards, banners, posters, signboards and buntings installed on public property were also seized.

The operation was jointly led by MCC Zone-5 DO Yaduveer and Works Inspector Nagaraj, with the support of Abhaya-1 personnel, three tipper lorries, a bulldozer and an earthmover.