Cosmetic clean up, looking at beggars as an eye sore

Whatever the government plans are for rehabilitating these beggars, the residents of Chennai are welcoming this.
"It's good because it often becomes dangerous on highways," said one of the local.
While it's a welcome initiative, a big question arises if this is a cosmetic clean up looking at beggars as an eye sore. But the corporation says it is addressing the root cause.

Please explain to me the highlighted parts.

Source : http://www.ndtv.com/news/cities/chennai-to-become-beggar-free-soon-27824.php