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ShareMore than 50 hawkers visit the beach every day with their makeshift stalls
The Juhu beach that was cleared of hawkers under orders from the Bombay High Court last year is once again in the danger of being encroached upon by hawkers.
Though the hawkers and stall owners were relocated near the Palm Grove hotel under the beach beautification plan costing more than Rs7 crore, more than 50 mobile hawkers descend on the beach every day with their makeshift stalls.
Area Sabha Representative (ASR) Hansel D'Souza told DNA on Tuesday that the matter had been taken up with the concerned authorities but confusion over jurisdiction and red tape was hampering the process of removing hawkers.
"When we approach the municipal ward office, we are told that the beach land is owned by the Collector's office and when we approach the collector,the officials say that the action against hawkers can only be taken by the civic officials. Every one passes the buck," said D'Souza.
But sustained pressure by local citizens and the Save Juhu Committee members has finally stirred all agencies out of their slumber.
It has now been decided to launch a joint drive with active participation of civic, collector and police officers to take a decisive action against the beach hawkers. "I cannot give you the exact date but the action will definitely be taken next week," D'Souza said.
"We got the beach cleared by approaching the courts, got it beautified with funds from MPs and we will never allow to let the beach to be spoiled again,' he added.
