MCC to crack down on footpath vendors and eateries in Mangaluru

MANGALURU: The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on Tuesday resolved to launch a joint operation against illegal street vending and unauthorised food stalls in the city.
Corporators from the Congress in the opposition raised the issue, and brought to the notice of the council, that officials of the MCC were threatened by street vendors, during a drive against illegal footpath vendors recently. Corporators demanded that an FIR should be registered against street vendors, who prevented officials from performing their duty, and issued threats.
Opposition leader in the council, Naveen D'Souza, alleged that women officials, who conducted raids, were manhandled by footpath vendors. "They also issued threats to the officials, by barging into the MCC office. The city corporation must consider this as a serious issue, as officials were prevented from discharging their duties," he said.
Corporators also brought to the notice of the council, that street food vendors have been using domestic LPG cylinders, and that they also encroach upon footpaths in the city. Corporator AC Vinayaraj sought to know on what basis licences have been issued to the street vendors.
MCC commissioner K Channabasappa said that the city corporation will launch a joint operation by revenue and health officials, with the help of the police, against illegal street vending, and street food joints in the city, in the coming days. An official of the MCC said that the Town Vending Committee of the city corporation, has authorised 667 street vendors, and issued identity cards to them.
Channabasappa said that he has already spoken to the DCP, regarding the manhandling of MCC officials on duty. He has directed the food and civil supplies department to verify if domestic LPG cylinders are being used by street food vendors. The city corporation will also check the quality of food served. The RTO should act against the old vehicles used by street vendors, he said.
Mayor Jayanand Achan said that permission from the MCC is mandatory, for the laying of cables of telecommunication companies.
MCC to illuminate roads for Garadi fest
The MCC council resolved to illuminate roads during the Garadi Sambhrama celebrations, as part of the 150th anniversary of Kankanady Brahma Baidarkala Garadi Kshetra dedicated to twin Tuluva heroes Koti-Chennaya, which will be held from Friday to March 7. The city corporation will illuminate roads leading to the Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garadi Kshetra from Pumpwell Circle on the west, and Padil on the east, at a cost of Rs 9.9 lakh.
The council approved a proposal from the State Bank of India, to develop and maintain Hamilton Circle in the city. Further, the council also approved a report of the Town Planning and Reforms Standing Committee, on naming Bondel Circle after poet Sarvajna.