The BMC’s recent list of hawking zones in different parts of Mumbai, especially the western suburbs, has caused a lot of resentment in various resident groups and NGOs, who feel that the decision could have been handled differently.

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Footpaths not meant for hawkers

The Supreme Court’s orders regarding hawkers to be accommodated in different cities, especially Mumbai, do not say that the hawkers should be put in areas that lack infrastructure or the need and the environment for hawking. In Pali Hill, there are no footpaths. Certain parts of the Nargis Dutt Road do not have a 44ft stretch of road. Legally speaking and in accordance with the BMC rules, these areas cannot be designated as hawking zones. And if we apply the same logic, why have hawking zones not been identified in areas like Malabar Hill, Altamount Road and Carmichael Road—areas the so-called VIPs live in? This inconsistency in BMC’s policies has angered the residents.

Licensed vs. unlicensed

The unlicensed hawkers far outnumb er the licensed hawkers. They have become a nuisance for licensed shopkeepers whose livelihood is getting affected with illegal shops being put up in front of their shops. This is prevalent mainly on Linking Road, Hill Road, Santacruz market and Khar market. Licensed shopkeepers pay lakhs of rupees each year by way of taxes, other municipal bills and by maintaining their shops. Isn’t it the job of the civic authorities to curb the growing menace?

What’s the solution?

The Supreme Court’s orders to accommodate extra hawkers could easily be implemented by accommodating the hawkers in various BMC municipal markets. In areas such as Bandra, Khar and Santacruz, there are at least six municipal markets, which are presently in a bad condition. No effort has been made to restore them and to place these hawkers in proper shopping areas like municipal markets. This was the responsibility of the successive government, which has failed, and the easiest way out is to put the hawkers on the streets where there is no need for them. The authorities have created a situation where the residents are now pitted against the hawkers. 

My suggestion is that municipal markets should be upgraded with good facilities, including parking, and hawkers should be accommodated within these zones. Residential areas, schools, colleges, hospitals and footpaths should be cleared of hawkers. Every taxpayer has the right to demand respectable living conditions that is free from noise and filth.

The government should appeal to the Supreme Court to put a stay on this order until they upgrade the municipal markets with proper facilities like clean water, toilets, electricity, etc. The hawkers should also be allowed to trade with dignity and not be at the mercy of corrupt officials who exploit them for financial gains.

Since the past two weeks, the residents of Pali Hill have been protesting relentlessly against hawking zones.