Mumbai 'Pedestrian First' drive: BMC removes 12 illegal structures, takes action against 60 hawkers in Dadar

As part of the initiative, the BMC is undertaking measures to make footpaths more accessible and convenient for pedestrians across the city. FILE PIC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday carried out an anti-encroachment drive in Dadar, removing 12 unauthorised structures, temporary tarpaulin sheds and unauthorised platforms, and taking action against 60 hawkers along the footpaths near the late Meenatai Thackeray Flower Market and Senapati Bapat Marg.

The action was carried out on Friday by the civic body's G-North ward under its ‘Pedestrian First' campaign, which aims to clear footpaths of encroachments and make them accessible for pedestrians.

The drive was conducted under the guidance of BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone II) Prashant Sapkale. G-North Ward Assistant Commissioner Yogesh Desai led the operation.

Adequate police personnel were deployed during the drive.

The civic body has been implementing the ‘Pedestrian First' campaign to remove unauthorised hawkers and encroachments from footpaths and ensure that pedestrians can move around without obstructions.

As part of the initiative, the BMC is undertaking measures to make footpaths more accessible and convenient for pedestrians across the city.

The civic administration has appealed to citizens and vendors not to carry out unauthorised construction or leave materials on footpaths in ways that obstruct pedestrian movement. It warned that strict action would be taken if such encroachments were found.

BMC's wider ‘Pedestrian First' campaign targets footpath encroachments across Mumbai

The Dadar drive comes amid the BMC's wider efforts to reclaim footpaths for pedestrians across Mumbai. Under the ‘Pedestrian First' campaign, the civic body has reported removing 2,803 encroachments and hawkers from 399 footpaths across the city, covering roads stretching about 500 km.

The campaign is being implemented across all administrative wards, with priority given to areas around hospitals, schools, colleges, railway stations, bus stations and other public places where unobstructed pedestrian movement is particularly important.

At a review meeting at the BMC's Command and Control Centre in Worli last week, Bhide directed officials to ensure that footpaths remain clear, safe and accessible even after encroachments are removed. The civic administration has also emphasised the need to repair damaged footpaths, maintain cleanliness and prevent unauthorised parking and structures from obstructing pedestrian movement.

The BMC has warned that enforcement must be sustained, with officials expected to take action against recurring encroachments and ensure that cleared footpaths remain available for public use.