07 July,2026 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Cement pots occupy the footpath between the JB Nagar and Western Express Highway Metro stations in Andheri East. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
City-based NGO Watchdog Foundation has demanded that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) immediately inspect and clear the footpath between the JB Nagar and Western Express Highway Metro Blue Line 1 stations in Andheri East, alleging that corporate establishments along the stretch have illegally encroached on a public pedestrian space by installing large cement planters.
In a letter to the BMC dated July 3, a copy of which is with mid-day, the NGO's trustees and advisors said several corporate offices on the stretch have placed heavy cement pots with ornamental plants not for beautification, but specifically to keep hawkers off the footpath. The letter argues that this amounts to private entities unlawfully occupying municipal property and acting as unauthorised enforcers.
The NGO cites two Supreme Court rulings which held that footpaths exist primarily for pedestrian passage and that vendor rights are subordinate to that right of way, while municipal bodies are obligated to keep streets free of encroachment.
The complaint says the planters have shrunk usable footpath width, pushing pedestrians - including senior citizens and children - commuting to and from the two Metro stations - onto the road and into the path of traffic.
Cement pots occupy the footpath between the JB Nagar and WEH Metro stations in Andheri East. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The letter points to what it calls an inconsistency - the BMC regularly demolishes hawker structures for obstructing footpaths while allegedly ignoring larger-scale obstruction by corporate entities on the same stretch.
Immediate inspection of the full stretch and removal of all unauthorised cement planters and structures installed by private establishments on the public footpath.
Local BMC officials said they would be able to take a call only after an inspection of the site and refused to comment further.
[popcorn number="July 3" desc="Day NGO wrote to BMC" class="Default"]
