Operation Footpath: Make alternative arrangements for vendors at ‘Raitha Santhe’

Regional Commissioner Nitesh Patil instructs officials to refurbish abandoned ‘Raitha Santhe’ market structures across Mysuru City; Only two of total 13 markets functional

Mysuru: Regional Commissioner (RC) Nitesh Patil, who holds additional charge as Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Administrator, has instructed the authorities concerned to make alternative arrangements for the roadside vendors to resume their business at ‘Raitha Santhe’ market structures built in various localities of the city.

The vendors conducting business at ‘Raitha Santhe’ on Dr. Rajkumar Road.

This follows the Operation Footpath launched by Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to clear footpath encroachments by vendors and also the roadsides for the convenience of pedestrians. The fruit and vegetable vendors evicted during the drive have been requesting the authorities for providing alternative spaces for them to run their trade to eke out a living.

Star of Mysore and its sister publication Mysuru Mithra, in their digital platforms had highlighted a story on abandoned Raitha Santhe and Bhanuvara Santhe, built by then Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA, now rebranded as Mysuru Development Authority – MDA), since over a decade.

Of the total 13 Raitha Santhes, only two are functional, while the remaining market structures have turned into a haven of illicit activities. This came to the notice of RC Patil, who subsequently directed the MCC to refurbish those market places to enable shifting of affected vendors on priority.

Patil told SOM that both the vendors and the people should patronise such market structures. The vendors are forced to encroach upon the footpath spaces and road side junctions when people refuse to visit market in the localities. In the coming days, footpath encroachment will be curtailed, he added.