The Karnataka government will introduce a new footpath policy aimed at ensuring unobstructed pedestrian access across Bengaluru while also cracking down on the proliferation of illegal flex banners, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said the government was working on a comprehensive policy to reclaim footpaths for pedestrians, citing widespread encroachments by parked vehicles and unauthorised commercial activities.
"We have agreed that a new policy should be brought for footpaths. Citizens are facing a lot of trouble walking on footpaths. We have invested heavily in constructing them, but vehicles are parked there and business activities are being carried out. We must identify specific places for vendors and keep footpaths clean for citizens to walk," he said.
The Chief Minister said the proposed policy would seek to balance the interests of pedestrians and street vendors by earmarking designated vending zones while preventing encroachments on public walkways.
Shivakumar also announced stringent penalties against illegal flex banners, which he said had become a persistent problem despite repeated warnings from the authorities.
"No matter how much we say, flex banners keep coming up. All parties put them up, including our own party workers. Whoever's name appears at the bottom of the banner will be held responsible," he said.
Under the proposed enforcement measures, individuals whose names appear on unauthorised banners could face fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for each violation.
He noted that while the government has an established system for authorised advertisements through designated advertising boards, there is no permission to erect banners at unauthorised locations.
The announcements come as the Karnataka government seeks to improve urban infrastructure and civic management in Bengaluru by addressing pedestrian safety, regulating street vending and curbing visual pollution caused by unauthorised flex banners. The proposed measures are expected to be implemented through a formal policy framework in the coming months.
