The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a pilot project targeting 20 of the most congested areas across Mumbai. This initiative, aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal hawkers, was detailed in an affidavit submitted to the Bombay High Court on Tuesday.
The court proceedings, which originated from a suo motu public interest litigation concerning hawkers obstructing access to a shop in Borivli, have prompted the BMC to take decisive action. The senior advocate representing the BMC confirmed that, following the High Court’s directive, a comprehensive plan was formulated in collaboration with the Mumbai Police. A joint meeting, attended by the municipal commissioner and the joint commissioner of police (law and order), was held on June 27 to finalise the selection of these areas. According to the BMC’s affidavit, the identified spots are monitored rigorously, particularly during peak hours when hawking activities are most likely. Encroachment removal vans and dedicated staff have been deployed to maintain the cleanliness of these areas. However, the affidavit acknowledges the need for continuous vigilance to prevent the recurrence of encroachments.
The BMC’s effort includes deploying resources and ensuring that these critical areas remain free of illegal hawkers. Despite these measures, challenges persist. The affidavit highlights that even licensed hawkers are sometimes being displaced, raising concerns about the balance between enforcement and the rights of legitimate vendors. The court has mandated that hawker unions, represented by senior advocates, file their affidavits to address these issues. Justice has expressed concerns about the need for a balanced approach, ensuring that while tackling illegal activities, legitimate vendors are not unfairly targeted.
Additionally, the BMC has conducted a comprehensive ward-wise survey of street vendors in compliance with the Street Vendors Act, 2014. A total of 128,433 application forms were distributed across 24 wards, with 99,435 submissions received. The BMC is also in the process of organising elections for the Town Vending Committees (TVCs), with the returning officer expected to announce the election schedule soon. The BMC aims to complete the election process by the end of August. This pilot project underscores the BMC’s commitment to improving urban management and addressing the challenges posed by hawking in densely populated areas. The initiative reflects a broader strategy to enhance public space accessibility and regulate street vending in Mumbai’s bustling streets.
