Eateries encroach pavements, ‘partial’ BMP overlooks

Eateries encroach pavements, ‘partial’ BMP overlooks
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: It’s a common sight all over the city, of eateries that extend their business onto the pavements.

Many darshinis and fast-food joints have put up tables on pavements, while some have set up chaat stalls outside their premises. The Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) has launched a special drive to ensure that eateries follow norms to maintain cleanliness, healthy environment and proper sanitation.

The chief medical officer of BMP Dr Vijayalakshmi told this website’s newspaper that eateries were violating cleanliness rules and most of them are untidy and unhealthy. The fast foods have unclean surroundings, which make it difficult to stand and eat. Despite stringent rules, these eateries have violated them and the BMP will identify these places and take necessary action, she added.

The medical officers concerned to enforce rules and penalise offenders are conducting inspections in all areas. In the last one-week, BMP health officials have imposed fines on hotels in Gandhinagar and on fast food joints in Jayanagar 4th block.

BMP regulations prohibit eateries from having kitchens in their basements, which are meant for parking. The kitchen areas and washing areas have to be demarcated clearly.

Before the BMP issues permission for setting up the eatery, a blueprint has to be submitted incorporating all these rules, yet most eateries flout these rules. Many owners complain that the BMP raids have been very arbitrary, and targeted at certain areas.

Owners also complain of harassment by officials. Sharath Babu, owner of an eatery in J P Nagar says, ‘‘It is only the small establishments that are being fined, many of the larger hotels pay the officials to overlook violations.’’ The health officials do not conduct inspections regularly. So owners clear the tables when drives like this are conducted. They re-install the tables after a few days.