Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has issued a strong reprimand to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for its persistent failure to address the issue of illegal hawkers occupying footpaths and public roads in Mumbai. The court highlighted the serious implications of such encroachments on pedestrian safety and urban order.
During the hearing of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a bench comprising Justices M.S. Sonak and Kamal Khata expressed profound dissatisfaction with the BMC’s inaction. The bench pointed out the discrepancy in BMC’s responsiveness, noting that footpaths are swiftly cleared whenever the Prime Minister or other VVIPs visit the city, questioning why the same standard of efficiency is not maintained for the general public.
“Footpaths and a safe place to walk are fundamental rights. We tell our children to walk on footpaths, but if there is no footpath left to walk on, what do we tell our children?” the court questioned. The court further emphasised that citizens, as taxpayers, deserve unobstructed footpaths and secure pedestrian pathways.
The court’s remarks underscore the mounting frustration among Mumbai’s residents who endure daily inconveniences due to the unchecked illegal occupation of footpaths by hawkers. The unchecked encroachments not only compromise pedestrian safety but also contribute to urban chaos and lawlessness.
The bench’s observations reflect the wider public sentiment and the urgency for the BMC to enforce existing regulations against unauthorised hawking. The court’s criticism is a stark reminder of the civic body’s accountability towards ensuring orderly urban management and safeguarding public spaces.
The high court’s intervention comes at a time when residents have increasingly voiced their concerns about the deteriorating pedestrian infrastructure. The court’s insistence on prompt action from the BMC is expected to pressure the civic body into implementing effective measures against illegal encroachments.
As the BMC grapples with this directive, the focus remains on whether it will rise to the challenge of restoring footpaths to their intended use, thereby enhancing pedestrian safety and urban order. The court’s assertive stance underscores the pressing need for a balanced approach that accommodates the livelihoods of hawkers while prioritising public welfare and urban discipline.
The next hearing on this matter will likely scrutinise the BMC’s response and its proposed actions to tackle the issue comprehensively. Until then, the court’s directive serves as a critical call for the BMC to align its operational efficiencies for the benefit of all Mumbai residents, not just during high-profile visits but as a sustained civic responsibility.
