As part of the ongoing safe footpath drive against encroachments, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on Monday demolished at least five cobbler shops on 4th Main Road in Jayanagar, with street vendors arguing that they were not given enough time to clear their belongings. 

Vendors said they pleaded with officials to allow them a day to remove their shops and contacted unions and others for help, but the demolition was carried out using earthmovers. Vendors said that when they resisted, police and GBA officials told them they were acting on court directions to remove structures located on footpaths. 

The vendors, however, argued that their shops were located at one corner of the road and did not obstruct pedestrians. “We have been running these shops for years and were not disturbing anyone. We only requested one day to remove our belongings, but they did not even give us time to clear what was inside before demolishing the shops,” they said. 

Published - July 28, 2026 12:12 am IST