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.

The complaint

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.