02 September,2026 10:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Madhulika Ram Kavattur
Shoe vendors who have put up their shops after the demolition. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Locals in the Hill Road area of Bandra West have become increasingly frustrated as action taken by the BMC H West ward after complaints from ALM (Advanced Locality Management) 74 has started getting diluted over the last 13 days, even as the deadline for the 15-day notices issued to vendors encroaching the footpaths nears. Speaking to mid-day, Dinesh Pallewad, assistant municipal commissioner, H West ward, said a systemic change is needed to make the area pedestrian-friendly.
[popcorn number="August 19" desc="Day AMC inspected Hill Road market" class="Default"]
Dinesh Pallewad, assistant municipal commissioner, H West ward
"We have realised that a systemic change is what is needed to make Hill Road pedestrian-friendly. We are issuing notices to the encroachers, and those who don't take it seriously will face action. Societies that have allowed vendors to occupy space in their premises will receive notices as residential space is being used for commercial purposes, and if they don't stop them, they will have to face increased property taxes and fines."
Initially, after complaints from ALM 74, Pallewad visited Hill Road on August 19 to inspect the market and footpath encroachments. Subsequently, the ward office served notices to the defaulting vendors and demolished a few stalls at two spots along Hill Road.
Encroachment on Hill Road footpaths
Rohinton Polishwala, chairman, ALM 74
"We initially were very happy with the immediate action. We had been complaining about the issue for years, and we finally wrote to the municipal commissioner. The civic authorities not only visited and also took action by demolishing a few stalls; but that effect has now gotten diluted."
Stalls taking up space in the premises of a housing society
According to Polishwala, the vendors whose shops were demolished set up their stalls again just the day after, and no BMC action followed. "I approached the senior inspector with Bandra police and asked if they could help as notices had been issued. The officer said they can act only as long as it involves public footpaths and not the encroachment in some societies," Polishwala said.
The ALM 74 is currently coordinating with other ALMs to tackle issues in all of Bandra West area. Polishwala added, "We are tired of contacting the authorities. The only time we got a proper response was when we directly contacted the municipal commissioner. If the issue doesn't get resolved, we might have to contact the commissioner again."
