Setting an example of how the involvement of the community driven by need can transform the city, food vendors of Rajajinagar Ist block, converted a dump yard into a food street in line with the popular food street at VV Puram, Basavanagudi.

S Harish, former deputy mayor of Bangalore and now corporator of the Nagapura ward explained , “For the past 10 years, the 19th main of Rajajinagar Ist block had become a dump yard and a public urinal place. Sadly, there are two schools, Vidyavarthaka Sangha and Panchajanya School, closeby. We tried many ways to address the issue, but it was going out of control and we were receiving a lot of complaints on a daily basis. Just a year ago, we chalked out a plan and wanted to transform this garbage zone. That’s when the idea of bringing vendors, who were scattered in and around the area, into one place came about,” he said.

The BBMP helped in cleaning up the road and renovated the footpath. The rest was taken up by the street vendors themselves. “They painted the compound all along the street, depicting street food. The vendors have even submitted an application in which they have promised to keep the place clean and hygienic. They wear hand gloves and a head cap to maintain cleanliness. Pure drinking water is available,” he said.

Encouraged by the response, the corporator plans to set up a similar module in another street at Rajajinagar. “A place near Nandini Theatre has become a dump yard. Since this food street has become a hit, we will follow the same pattern of having a food street in there too. We are chalking out a plan and will soon call vendors for a meeting,” said the corporator.

Madhukar HV, who represents the residents of the ward, feels that life has come back to 19th main. “We never thought that this place can be converted into a food court. We are glad to set an example,” he said.