Mumbai: BMC Launches Special Drive, Seizes Over 500 Handcarts And 1,200 Items To Curb Illegal Hawkers

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken actions against unauthorised hawkers, especially the handcarts and food stalls which obstruct pedestrian movement in busy areas of Mumbai.

Under its anti-encroachment and 'hawkers free area' drive, BMC's encroachment and removal department has seized 544 handcarts, 968 cylinders and 1251 other items like stoves, shawarma machines etc. The actions were taken during the special drive from January 17 to 24.

The recent action taken by the BMC is compliance with the Bombay High Court order to keep congested areas in Mumbai free from hawkers. Last year the BMC had identified 20 locations in the city that are congested with unauthorised hawkers and had decided a plan of action to evict them. Some of the locations identified were CSMT, Churchgate, Colaba Causeway, Dadar Station West, LBS Road, Hill Road and Kurla West.

Earlier this month, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation on the illegal hawkers in Mumbai, the Bombay HC reiterated the menace created by the hawkers and directed the BMC to take firm and regular action against illegal hawkers in 20 locations across the city.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special) Chanda Jadhav said that the corporation will continue such special drives to keep Mumbai free from unauthorised hawkers.