BMC to verify citizens' objections

While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) included citizens in the drive against illegal hawkers by inviting feedback and suggestions for the 85,891 hawking pitches proposed across wards in the city, the civic body is now keeping the interests of hawkers in mind by verifying the objections raised against the pitches.

The verification will be done in three stages in order to ensure that the pitches are not dropped on false objections. In the first stage, the BMC will check prima facie whether the suggestions stand or not. If a discrepancy is noted in a resident's claim, the civic officials will visit the area to confirm the claim in the second stage. The officials will also interact with locals. Despite the check, if the residents are still not ready to accept the hawking pitch, they will be called for a discussion to understand the problem better in the third stage.

The Removal of Encroachment (RE) department of BMC received around 1,660 suggestions and objections for its proposed hawking pitches in the city, of which around 80 per cent have similar complaints stating that the hawking pitches proposed in their areas are either in proximity of schools or religious places.

Nidhi Chaudhary, additional municipal commissioner (Special), said that not only will the three stage verification process ensure that hawking pitches are not dropped on baseless claims, but also give residents a chance for their queries to be heard. Chaudhary added that similar suggestions will be clubbed for fast hearing. "Many residents have also given reasons stating that the hawking pitches will affect their children's education or the roads are too narrow," she added.

After the verification process is complete, which is likely to take a fortnight, the final list of hawking pitches will be given to the Town Vending committee (TVC) for a final call.

IN THREE STEPS

• 1) BMC will check prima facie whether the suggestion stands or not
   
• 2) If a discrepancy is noted in a resident’s claim, civic officials will visit the area
   
• 3) If residents are still not ready to accept the hawking pitch, they will be called for a discussion to understand the problem better