Mysuru: The MCC has not come forward to clear footpath encroachments in Narasimharaja (NR) Constituency in city, alleged BJP leader and Party’s State Executive Committee Member H.G. Giridhar.

Pointing out that footpath encroachment drives are being undertaken at Krishnaraja (KR) and Chamaraja Constituencies following instructions from MCC Administrative Officer Nitesh Patil, who is also the Regional Commissioner, Giridhar said that the drive has not been taken up in NR Constituency and alleged that the officials of MCC Zone-7, 8 and 9 had not commenced the footpath clearance drives till date.

Stating that there were too much footpath encroachments on Mahadevapura Road (Azeez Sait Double Road), from N.R. Mohalla via Udayagiri till Sathyanagar, from Rajendranagar Arch till 1008 Ganapathi Temple, near Devanur Lake and near N.R. Mohalla Burial Grounds among others, Giridhar said that pedestrians are forced to walk on the roads due to footpath encroachments but still, the MCC has not taken up the clearance drives. He questioned the lack of interest among MCC officials in conducting footpath clearance drives in areas coming under NR Constituency.

He said that the status of Dr. Rajkumar Road is similar as roadside vendors selling fruits, vegetables, greens and other items have erected temporary tents under the high-tension power line and conducting business which may prove dangerous. Even the bus shelter is not spared as the shelter has been converted into a business place.

There is no discrimination between the Assembly Constituencies. First, footpath encroachments will be cleared in the heart of the city. After the completion of SIR process, effective measures in this regard will be taken up. The MCC officials, following directions from the former MCC Commissioner, are clearing the large-scale encroachments by commercial establishments. Meetings will be held under the Chairmanship of local MLA with the Regional Commissioner, who is also the MCC Administrative Officer, Deputy Commissioner and the City Police Commissioner and an effective plan will be chalked out to clear footpath encroachments in NR also. There may be a need to relocate the footpath vendors, who have registered and have ID cards issued by the MCC.

—M.K. Savitha, MCC Commissioner