BENGALURU: The iconic KR Market on Friday got some respite after the BBMP took up a massive encroachment- removal drive.While permanent structures put up by 2,021 stalls were pulled down, about 1,500 hawkers who were selling their wares in front of the market as well as on the pathways inside were also evicted. “The permanent structures were built using steel and encroached the pathways,” said an officer. The civic agency was recently taken to task by the Karnataka high court for its failure to get a fire-safety certificates for KR Market.On Wednesday, BBMP commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad assured the court that the civic agency will take action. On his direction, a team led by solid waste management wing joint commissioner Sarfaraz Khan took up the drive on Friday, creating space for fire engines and ambulances to get into the market during emergencies.Officials from all three zones (east, west and south) participated in the drive. Around 48 tractors, 15 trucks, eight compactors and eight earth movers were deployed. Around 390 officials, including 30 marshals and police personnel, participated and 240 truckloads of encroached material were transported.Many small vendors, however, felt the move would affect their livelihood. They alleged the civic agency’s drive is only against small vendors and not the big players. “A lot of shops have not been allotted to anyone, but they are engaged in illegal occupation and trade. Officials have turned a blind eye to such shops. Over 38 shops here are running businesses illegally,” said vendor said.AS Balasundar, health officer, BBMP west zone, said the BBMP will take strict action against those conducting businesses illegally from the market premises. “Trade licence from the civic agency is mandatory. There are over 2,000 trades and shops inside KR Market and most of them have not renewed their licence,” he added.Joint commissioner Sarfaraz Khan said BBMP will bail out footpath vendors. “The biggest task is to provide way for fire engines. Once the marking is done by the fire department, the BBMP will take up the issue of footpath vendors. Priority will be given to those who have obtained identity cards from BBMP,” he said.

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