July 28, 2025: A year after submitting a list of 20 hawker-free zones to the Bombay High Court, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is now planning to extend the model to all civic wards. At a recent review meeting, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani directed ward officials to collaborate with local police in identifying stretches that can be strictly monitored and maintained free of illegal hawkers.
These zones will be jointly managed by civic and police staff to ensure consistent enforcement, particularly in high-footfall areas. “Complaints about hawkers occupying footpaths and reducing pedestrian space are on the rise,” said a senior BMC official. “We’ve been directed to focus on targeted enforcement, with manpower and machinery provided to wards as needed. Regular action will deter hawkers from returning.”
In May, several housing societies from Thakur Village in Kandivli East approached Mumbai North MP Piyush Goyal, urging action against growing encroachments in their locality. Despite peaceful protests and complaints, residents claimed no firm action had been taken.
Earlier, in February, the Dadar Vyapari Sangh also flagged the issue in a letter to civic and police chiefs, citing the failure of their valet parking initiative due to unchecked hawker activity.
Citizen activist Nikhil Desai stressed the need for sustained BMC-police coordination and suggested relocating hawkers to designated zones. He recalled an incident in March where a ward officer who acted against illegal vendors near Matunga station was transferred under political pressure. Rajkumar Sharma of a Chembur-based civic group remarked that officials often delay action, forcing residents to seek legal remedies.
Source: Times Of India
