The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday carried out a large-scale anti-encroachment drive in Kamathipura, removing nearly 70 unauthorised hawkers and scrap vendors from public spaces. Officials said the action was aimed at reclaiming footpaths and roads that had been encroached upon, obstructing pedestrian movement.
The operation covered multiple stretches, including Galli Nos. 1 to 15, Shuklaji Street, Shankar Pupala Marg, Siddharth Nagar, and Bapti Road. Authorities targeted vendors operating without permission and occupying key public areas.
Supervised Civic Action
The drive was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Chanda Jadhav and Assistant Commissioner Anand Kankal. Around 15 civic personnel were deployed, supported by a police presence to ensure smooth execution.
Civic teams used five anti-encroachment vehicles along with a JCB machine and other equipment to clear the area. Officials ensured that encroachments were dismantled systematically and the space was restored for public use.
Authorities reiterated that such operations will continue to prevent the reappearance of illegal structures and maintain order in public areas.
Recent Drive in South Mumbai
The Kamathipura action follows a similar drive carried out last week along Maulana Shaukat Ali Road in south Mumbai. That stretch, between Murli Deora Eye Hospital and JJ Hospital junction, had witnessed persistent encroachments that forced pedestrians onto the main road, increasing accident risks.
During that operation, civic teams removed old furniture vendors and other obstructions that had narrowed footpaths. Using heavy machinery, including a JCB, officials dismantled structures and cleared debris immediately to prevent reoccupation.
Improved Accessibility
According to civic officials, the removal of encroachments has significantly improved pedestrian access and eased vehicular movement in the affected areas. The BMC emphasised that sustained enforcement will be key to keeping Mumbai’s public spaces free from unauthorised occupation.
Source: Mid-day
