Bengaluru: In one of the largest anti-encroachment operations undertaken in the city in recent years, the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on August 5, demolished 233 allegedly illegal shops around the historic KR Market, Victoria Hospital and Bengaluru Fort, reclaiming public roads and footpaths that had remained under encroachment for several years. The large-scale drive, carried out amid tight police security, witnessed protests from traders, who opposed the demolition and demanded rehabilitation before eviction.
The operation began at daybreak as civic authorities, accompanied by police and Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel, moved into the area with six JCB excavators, trucks, tractors and a large workforce. The demolition continued throughout the day and extended into the evening, with officials systematically removing temporary structures built along the Victoria Hospital compound wall, beneath the Sirsi flyover and along the stretch leading to KR Market.
Around 233 shops encroaching on the footpath between the Historic Bengaluru Fort, Victoria Hospital and KR Market were cleared today by the BLR Central Corporation.
Many of these were permanent metal-fabricated structures erected using forged documents purportedly issued by the… pic.twitter.com/8OFj3EEWj3
— Krishna Byre Gowda (@krishnabgowda) August 5, 2026
The traders attempted to resist the demolition, alleging that many of them had been running businesses at the location for several years and depended entirely on the shops for their livelihood. Several shopkeepers staged a protest, raised slogans against the civic authorities and appealed to the government to provide them with alternative vending spaces before removing their establishments. Some traders were seen pleading with officials while hurriedly shifting their merchandise as demolition machines moved closer.
Despite the protests, the authorities proceeded with the eviction, stating that the operation was being carried out in accordance with the directions of the Karnataka High Court.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who shared a video of the demolition on his official social media account, said the encroachment clearance was a significant step towards restoring public spaces under the government’s “Brand Bengaluru” initiative.
He said the High Court had earlier dismissed petitions challenging the demolition and had granted traders 15 days to vacate the encroachments voluntarily. As the deadline had expired, the civic body was left with no option but to remove the structures.
The minister said the shops had been constructed using allegedly fabricated civic records and had illegally occupied footpaths and road margins in one of the busiest commercial zones of Bengaluru. According to him, the reclaimed space would significantly improve pedestrian movement and traffic flow around KR Market, Victoria Hospital and Bengaluru Fort.
Officials pointed out that the area witnesses thousands of commuters, patients, traders and visitors every day. However, years of unchecked encroachment had virtually wiped out pedestrian pathways, forcing people to walk on busy roads amid moving vehicles. The illegal occupation had also contributed to severe traffic congestion throughout the day.
The demolished structures housed shops selling garments, footwear, spices, grocery items, dried fish, toys, stationery and several other products. While some shop owners had voluntarily removed their belongings after receiving notices, many others vacated only after demolition teams arrived.
Authorities maintained that repeated notices had been served to the occupants over the past several months, asking them to clear the encroachments. They argued that every opportunity had been given to the traders before initiating the demolition.
GBA Commissioner G. Jagadeesh and Additional Commissioner Venkatachalapathi supervised the operation. Nearly 60 engineers, 60 sanitation workers, 60 personnel from the health department and fire service teams participated in the exercise. Trucks and tractors were deployed to remove the debris immediately after demolition to prevent disruption to traffic.
Officials said the reclaimed land would now be developed to restore pedestrian pathways and improve accessibility around Victoria Hospital and the historic Bengaluru Fort. The civic body also plans to ensure that footpaths remain free from fresh encroachments through regular monitoring.
