Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daiiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Mar 16: Officials of the local city corporation led a drive to clear roadsides of unauthorized petty shops at various places here on Tuesday March 16 morning.

The operation was executed by revenue officer, Praveenchandra, health officer, Manjaiah Shetty, Vijay, and some subordinate officials, under the directions of city corporation commissioner.

Police personnel and contingents of Karnataka State Reserve Police were in charge of security during the drive. The officials, who cleared pavements at city bus stand, Rao and Rai Circle etc, informed that they will continue with the drive at more places in the city.

Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner, a few days ago, had directed the officials to remove unauthorized petty shops from footpaths and roadsides. In tune thereof, the current operation was conducted.

When the officials proceeded to remove a Nandini milk booth of which licence had reportedly been not renewed, there were exchange of heated words between the booth owner and officials. Thereafter, the officials confined their operation to just removing of poles projecting outside.

The booth owner, reacting to the incident, claimed that he holds the licence for running the booth and the officials were wrong in trying to demolish the booth. He said that he had erected a roof to protect the booth from heavy rain, and noted that the officials removed the poles which were outside the booth with JCB. He said that his water tank was broken in the process.

Speaking to daijiworld, commissioner of MCC Dr H S Gopalkrishna said that notices were given to owners of the petty shops on the roadside a few days ago and they were given time to shift their shops. "In most of the cases there was no opposition from them. In the drive that took place from 6.30 amd 9.30 am, along with petty shops, we have also demolished unauthorized flexes and hoardings. I request others encroachers to shift their belongings at the earliest as it will attract similar demolition," he said.