After citizens’ complaints prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to evict illegal hawkers on SV Road at Andheri, it was the hawkers’ turn to protest.
After citizens’ complaints prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to evict illegal hawkers on SV Road at Andheri, it was the hawkers’ turn to protest.
Around three months ago, the ward officials removed around 700 illegal hawkers from the SV Road at Andheri and the nearby areas such as MA Road and Masjid Lane.
Since then, the officials are keeping a close eye on it and ensuring that the hawkers do not return.
On Wednesday, around 500 hawkers protested in front of the Andheri (West) ward office against BMC’s action and demanded to allow them to continue their business.
“It is a question of the livelihood of all the hawkers and that has to be looked into from a humane angle,” said Mahendra Singh, general secretary of Centre of Indian Trade Unions, who led the protest. He alleged that vested interests are behind their ouster.
“For the past three months, we are not being allowed to put up stalls. This has affected our livelihood,” said a hawker, who participated in the protest.
The SV Road and nearby areas of Andheri railway station were completely encroached by illegal hawkers. The pedestrians had no option but to walk on the road as the footpaths were encroached by hawkers.
Ramesh Pawar, assistant commissioner of Andheri (west) ward, said: “On citizens’ complaints and the Supreme Courts orders, we have been acting against them and will continue.”
Citizens are happy that finally the BMC has taken action.
“The encroachments on footpaths had forced us to use the road while risking our lives and it was difficult during peak hours,” said Ramesh Patil, a resident of Andheri (West).
Deputy municipal commissioner of zone IV, Ashok Khaire said action against illegal hawkers would continue by following all rules and regulations.
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