The relentless commercial growth in the City has many positive effects — especially in terms of the burgeoning small-scale businesses, like little shops, eateries and services, which are mushrooming up in different parts of Bangalore.
But because of the haphazard manner in which they are coming up, these establishments are posing different problems to pedestrians, motorists and residents of the areas where they are most common as well.
Many shops and restaurants tend to expand their floor space — right into the pavement. With grocery stores putting up counters just outside their doorsteps and restaurants spreading out little tables and benches on footpaths, many market places and even street corners are morphing into chaotic messes. Predictably, these little shops spring up in those areas where their patrons expect to do brisk business.
Naveen Chandra, a martial-arts instructor, says, "It's common at signals and market-places, where large crowds of people pass everyday. I've noticed these little businesses in areas like Basavangudi and Gandhi Bazaar — shops tend to spread out onto the footpath and food-carts are literally everywhere."
The most obvious of these inconveniences, of course, is that pavements get blocked and pedestrians are forced to walk on the roads. Dr Venkatesh, a plastic surgeon, points out, "This is quite common in areas like Jayanagar 4th Block. Eateries spread out their tables on the footpaths and their customers stand around them, while eating. Because of this, pedestrians end up on the road and this is a huge inconvenience for drivers."
He does, however, admit that these businesses — particularly the eateries — are fairly popular in his neighbourhood. "There's a dosa cart near my house, which is frequented by customers. In fact, I've enjoyed a meal or two there myself. Normally, we're grateful that it's so near at hand — however on Sundays, when the roads become jammed because of functions held at a nearby temple, the presence of these carts makes matters worse," he explains.
Another concern that comes up is the matter of hygiene. As Naveen says, "Most of these establishments produce a lot of trash, which is littered in the area. They don't always have the space or facilities to keep the area clean."
In his opinion, it would help if the BBMP were to provide better facilities and locations for these businesses to operate in. "They could employ a strategy of allocating space to these businesses, giving them licences to run and in this way, ensuring that they stick to certain health regulations," he suggests.
Sharanya, a professional, adds that strict vigilance is the only thing that can keep such establishments from encroaching onto pavement space.
"Most of these businesses are very mobile — the moment the shopkeepers see someone with authority around, they pack up their wares and vanish," she reasons, adding, "Constant patrolling is the only thing that will keep it in check."