Protest at Church Street over ‘privatisation’

A group of civic activists, under the banner of Forum for Urban Governance and Commons (FUGC), held a peaceful protest at Church Street on Friday morning against the proposed privatisation of the recently developed stretch.

Kshithij Urs, member of FUGC, said it would set a dangerous precedent by creating exclusive zones for the rich. "It is atrocious to spend Rs. 15 crores for a road of only 715 metres while there is no money for other purposes."

Other city-based citizen groups extended support to the protest.

Vinod Jacob, a member of Citizens for Bangalore, also spoke about the unnecessary spending on one road.

Mayor R. Samapth Raj, who met the protesters, said no road in the city has been or will be outsourced, or privatised. The contract is only for maintaining the road, he said. He agreed to hold a meeting with shop-owners and vendors on Chruch Street, and citizens.