Sir,

The footpaths in most places of our city have been encroached by all kinds of people who sell all types of wares, as the City Corporation and Police do not enforce the rules strictly. As a result, the pedestrians suffer inconvenience and accidents.

There’s a new and a well-organised group from outside the State, operating for some years now (can be called as ‘Carpet mafia’), occupying vantage places on the footpaths and other places, selling carpets. No one can miss them, as their wares are hanging all over the city. As selling carpets is different from, for example, selling guavas or panipuri, the salesmen of these carpets are often seen relaxing alongside their carpets and other items in different postures — waiting for their bait (see pic). This sort of thing is disturbing and not ‘Mysuru culture’. We should not encourage it at any cost.

Every one has a right to make their living, but should the authorities allow these people to disfigure our beautiful city?

Can we expect some quick action from the authorities, as Dasara is on and as we do not want to see the carpets hanging everywhere? Mysuru City has to live upto its ‘Heritage City’ tag and many other sobriquets associated with it. It would be futile and not just to expect these carpet-wallahs to have any knowledge about it !

– Mubasher Mirza, Bannimantap ‘C’ Layout, 1.10.2019

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