08 October,2026 06:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The civic administration said strict action would be taken if such obstructions are found on footpaths. PIC/BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday carried out an encroachment removal drive in Sewri, clearing unauthorised structures and hawkers from footpaths along DG Mahajani and Jerbai Wadia roads.
The action was carried out by the civic body's F-South Ward under its âPedestrian First' campaign, aimed at ensuring that pedestrians have unobstructed access to footpaths.
During the drive, the BMC removed seven unauthorised shops, 15 temporary tarpaulin sheds and two unauthorised platforms from the footpaths. Action was also taken against 20 hawkers and four spots where abandoned material had been stored.
The civic action was carried out in accordance with directions of the Bombay High Court. It was undertaken under the guidance of BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale.
The drive was led by F-South Assistant Commissioner Vrushali Ingule. Adequate police bandobast was deployed during the action.
The BMC said it is taking measures to ensure that pedestrians have access to clear and convenient footpaths. It has also warned citizens against carrying out unauthorised construction or storing material in a manner that obstructs pedestrian movement.
The civic administration said strict action would be taken if such obstructions are found on footpaths.
In a similar action last month, the Mumbai civic body took action against 20 unauthorised structures and 15 unauthorised stalls in Borivali West under its âPedestrian First' campaign.
The action was carried out on Tuesday in the R-Central Ward areas, including Lokmanya Tilak Road, Market Lane and Borivali Subway Road.
As part of the first phase of the campaign in Borivali, the BMC has begun work to clear encroachments from six footpaths covering a total stretch of around 8 kilometres. The civic body said the ongoing action will help provide obstruction-free and more accessible footpaths to citizens, particularly those exiting Borivali West railway station and pedestrians using the surrounding areas.
The drive follows directions issued by BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide to senior officials of the departments concerned for strict implementation of the âPedestrian First' campaign.
The âPedestrian First' campaign was launched across Mumbai earlier this year, with the BMC identifying 320 kilometres of footpaths for encroachment removal in its first phase. The Mumbai civic body has also directed officials to undertake footpath repairs, maintenance and beautification, alongside clearing unauthorised hawkers and other obstructions, with pedestrian safety and accessibility as key priorities.
