The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed 12 unauthorised structures and took action against 60 hawkers during a ‘Pedestrian First’ anti-encroachment drive in Dadar on October 23, as the civic body stepped up efforts to reclaim footpaths across Mumbai.
The operation was carried out along footpaths near the late Meenatai Thackeray Flower Market and Senapati Bapat Marg by the BMC’s GNorth ward. The structures removed included temporary tarpaulin sheds, unauthorised platforms and other encroachments that obstructed pedestrian movement.
The drive was conducted under the guidance of BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Zone II, Prashant Sapkale. GNorth Ward Assistant Commissioner Yogesh Desai led the operation, with police personnel deployed during the action.
The BMC’s ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign is intended to clear footpaths of unauthorised hawkers and structures and make them accessible for people walking through the city. The campaign is being implemented across Mumbai’s administrative wards, with priority given to areas near hospitals, schools, colleges, railway stations, bus stations and other public places where unobstructed pedestrian movement is considered particularly important.
According to the civic administration, the wider campaign has so far removed 2,803 encroachments and hawkers from 399 footpaths covering roads stretching about 500 km. The figures indicate that the initiative is not limited to isolated action in individual neighbourhoods, but is being undertaken across multiple parts of Mumbai.
The BMC has also linked the campaign to the condition and management of footpaths after enforcement action. At a review meeting at the civic body’s Command and Control Centre in Worli last week, Bhide directed officials to ensure that cleared footpaths remain safe and accessible after encroachments are removed. The administration has emphasised the need to repair damaged footpaths, maintain cleanliness and prevent unauthorised parking and structures from blocking pedestrian routes.
The Dadar operation highlights the enforcement challenge involved in keeping cleared public spaces available for walking. Alongside removing existing structures and taking action against hawkers, the BMC has warned citizens and vendors against carrying out unauthorised construction or leaving materials on footpaths in ways that obstruct movement.
The civic body said strict action would be taken if such encroachments are found. Officials have also been directed to respond to recurring encroachments and ensure that footpaths cleared under the campaign continue to remain available for public use.
