Thiruvananthapuram: The city police have launched a firm crackdown on unauthorised street food vendors and eateries across the capital. In a latest operation, officers cleared 12 illegal stalls operating near Cotton Hill Girls Higher Secondary School in Vazhuthacaud for breaching compliance norms and obstructing public thoroughfares.

The clearance was led by Museum Station House Officer Prashanth, under the direct instructions of City Police Commissioner Dr Arul R. B. Krishna. Both the Police Commissioner and Trivandrum Mayor V. V. Rajesh emphasised that unauthorised street vendors causing public inconvenience will strictly not be tolerated.

The enforcement action follows a news report by Mathrubhumi, which exposed how certain commercial hotel operators were exploiting the guise of small-scale street vendors to encroach upon public roads and serve substandard food.

Compliance standards and PTA complaints

During the Vazhuthacaud operation, vendors attempted to protest the clearance. However, officers held firm when the operators failed to produce valid operational licences or permits. Police instructed vendors to immediately clear accumulated food waste from the site. Authorities noted that the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Cotton Hill School had also lodged formal complaints regarding the stalls, and the Corporation Secretary has been briefed on the matter.

Furthermore, authorities announced a ban on mobile food trucks allowing dine-in seating on the Vellayambalam–Sasthamangalam road, restricting their operations exclusively to takeaway services.

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Support for genuine livelihoods

Addressing the issue, Mayor V. V. Rajesh clarified that legitimate vendors relying on street vending for their livelihood will be protected. Plans are underway to designate specific, regulated vending zones across the city.

However, the Mayor assured strict measures against major hoteliers illegally occupying roadsides and re-selling stale food at inflated prices. Licences will only be issued to those strictly adhering to municipal guidelines.

The Mayor also noted that several vegetarian restaurants near the Secretariat have been overcharging customers. The Corporation plans to request state government intervention to regulate food prices across capital eateries. Ahead of the upcoming Onam festival, the Mayor urged vendors to operate responsibly without causing disruption to pedestrians or traffic.

Special squads to target illegal constructions

In a press conference, Mayor Rajesh announced the formation of special enforcement squads during the Onam season to curb unauthorised building construction, which frequently takes place over weekends and public holidays. Recent inspections in Pulimoodu and Gandhari Amman Kovil—conducted personally by the Mayor and the Corporation Secretary—revealed multiple illegal structures operating despite existing stop-work notices.

The Mayor warned that property owners must demolish unauthorised structures at their own expense; otherwise, the Corporation will dismantle them and recover the costs from the owners. He also highlighted fraudulent rental schemes involving unauthorised buildings converted into hostels, urging a police investigation. Additionally, food safety inspections will be intensified for commercial Onam feast (Sadya) caterers.