Mumbai civic body removes 15 illegal shops, 15 hawkers in Dadar, Santacruz under ‘Pedestrian First’ drive

The BMC said it was undertaking various measures to ensure accessible footpaths for pedestrians and appealed to citizens not to carry out unauthorised construction or place any material on footpaths in a manner that obstructs pedestrian movement. PIC/BMC

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Thursday carried out an eviction drive against illegal encroachments obstructing footpaths in Dadar and Santacruz as part of its ‘Pedestrian First' campaign.

The civic body removed 15 unauthorised shops and 15 hawkers during the action carried out by its F-South and H-East wards.

The drive is being conducted in accordance with directions of the Bombay High Court to remove unauthorised hawkers and encroachments from footpaths and make them accessible to pedestrians.

The campaign is being implemented under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and the leadership of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Verma-Lavangare.

Action in Dadar East

Under the guidance of Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale and led by Assistant Commissioner (F South) Vrushali Ingule, the F-South Ward carried out action in Dadar East.

The civic body removed four unauthorised shops, 12 temporary tarpaulin sheds, and six unauthorised platforms, besides taking action against 15 hawkers, along the footpath adjoining Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road.

500-metre stretch cleared in Santacruz East

In Santacruz East, the H-East Ward carried out action under the guidance of Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 3) Vishwas Mote and led by Assistant Commissioner (H-East) Mridula Ande.

The action was carried out against six unauthorised shops on Road Nos 6, 7, and 11 in the TPS-3 area and five unauthorised shops along the footpaths adjoining Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Road. A food van was also among the structures removed.

The action cleared around 500 metres of footpath, making it easier for pedestrians to use the stretch.

The BMC said it was undertaking various measures to ensure accessible footpaths for pedestrians and appealed to citizens not to carry out unauthorised construction or place any material on footpaths in a manner that obstructs pedestrian movement.

The civic administration warned that strict action would be taken if such encroachments are found.

Pedestrian First campaign: 40 monsoon sheds, 8 shops, and 30 hawkers removed from Mulund

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday carried out a major anti-encroachment drive in Mulund under its ‘Pedestrian First' campaign, removing illegal structures and other obstructions from footpaths.

The joint operation was conducted by the civic body's T, S, and N wards, with the aim of making footpaths safer and easier for pedestrians to use.

During the drive, civic officials removed 40 monsoon sheds, eight unauthorised shops, 30 hawkers, and six carriageway obstructions, an official statement said.

Materials that were found blocking the footpaths were also seized, the BMC stated.

The action was carried out in several parts of Mulund West, including Ram Ratan Trivedi Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Sevaram Lalwani Marg, Ratanji Hirji Bhograj Marg, Jhaver Marg, and Ganesh Gawde Marg.

In Mulund East, the drive covered areas around Lokmanya Tilak Marg and Navghar Road.