The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed 72 obstructions from pedestrian pathways in Ghatkopar and Sewri as part of its ongoing ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign, which aims to improve walkability by reclaiming footpaths occupied by unauthorised structures and other encroachments.
In Ghatkopar West, the civic body demolished 28 structures along the stretch between Jhunjhunwala College and the Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road. The operation was conducted on Wednesday, according to a report by a news agency.
A separate clearance drive was undertaken in Sewri on Thursday by the BMC’s F-South ward. Teams acted along D G Mahajani Road and Jerbai Wadia Road, removing 44 obstructions that were affecting pedestrian movement.
The Sewri operation covered seven unauthorised shops, 15 temporary tarpaulin sheds, two unauthorised platforms and 20 hawkers occupying footpath space. Officials also cleared four abandoned locations being used to store materials.
The combined action across the two neighbourhoods targeted different forms of encroachment that reduce the space available for people walking along busy roads. Shops, makeshift shelters, raised platforms and material storage areas can narrow pedestrian routes, while vending activities may further restrict access.
Through the ‘Pedestrian First’ initiative, the BMC is seeking to restore footpaths to their intended purpose and make public spaces more accessible. The latest operations also highlight the role of ward-level enforcement in addressing local encroachments, with the F-South ward overseeing the Sewri drive and the Ghatkopar operation focusing on structures along a key connecting road.
However, details regarding prior notices to affected occupants, possible action against repeat encroachments and arrangements to prevent the cleared areas from being occupied again were not provided in the report.
Maintaining the reclaimed pathways will remain important to ensuring that the campaign delivers lasting improvements. Regular monitoring and enforcement could help preserve pedestrian space and reduce the likelihood of fresh obstructions emerging along the cleared stretches.
Source: Urban Acres
