The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has executed a significant anti-encroachment campaign under the “Vendor-Free Zone” initiative. From June 18 to July 4, 2024, this intensive 17-day drive resulted in the seizure of 5,435 items from illegal vendors across various city zones.
The operation targeted areas such as Dadar, CST, Kurla, and Andheri, where more than 5,000 unauthorised hawkers were removed. The confiscated items included 1,186 four-wheeled handcarts, 1,839 domestic gas cylinders, and 2,410 miscellaneous items such as stoves, griddles, and benches. This crackdown underscores the BMC’s commitment to enforcing urban order and public health regulations by addressing vendors obstructing pedestrian pathways and contributing to street congestion.
The drive followed directives from the High Court, which mandated stringent action against illegal roadside vendors, abandoned vehicles, and sidewalk encroachments. BMC Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani spearheaded the campaign, with operational oversight by Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi. The BMC’s strategy included enhanced coordination with Mumbai Police, resulting in joint operations that amplified the campaign’s effectiveness.
The BMC’s actions align with its broader objective of maintaining civic order and ensuring that public spaces are not compromised by unauthorised commercial activities. By confiscating items such as shawarma machines and iron benches, the BMC aims to dissuade vendors from setting up shop in restricted areas. This approach also reflects the civic body’s responsiveness to public concerns about the hazards posed by unregulated street vending, including the obstruction of walkways and potential health risks associated with open food sales.
The seized items’ breakdown illustrates the scale and diversity of the encroachments. With 1,186 four-wheeled handcarts, vendors not only occupied substantial road space but also presented safety risks to pedestrians. The 1,839 gas cylinders highlight the potential danger of fires and explosions, further justifying the need for strict regulation. The collaborative effort between the municipal administration and law enforcement signifies a robust response to the encroachment issue. By reclaiming public spaces and enforcing legal norms, the BMC aims to create a safer and more orderly urban environment. This initiative is part of a larger urban management strategy, aiming to balance the needs of informal vendors with those of the city’s residents and formal businesses. As the BMC continues its efforts, the success of such operations will depend on sustained enforcement and community support.
