According to the Mumbai civic body, the officials, during the drive, removed illegal hawkers and unauthorised structures from pavements on Mohammed Ali Road and Ibrahim Merchant Road
The drive was conducted by a team of officials on Monday. Pic/BMC
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday conducted a massive demolition and anti-encroachment drive on several roads in south Mumbai at and near Mohammed Ali Road, officials said.
According to the Mumbai civic body, the officials, during the drive, removed illegal hawkers and unauthorised structures from pavements on Mohammed Ali Road and Ibrahim Merchant Road.
The action was carried out by the civic body’s B Ward administrative department.
Both roads are among the city’s busiest commercial stretches, connecting areas such as Bhendi Bazaar, Masjid Bunder, Byculla, Nagdevi and Mandvi. Due to illegal extensions on footpaths and unauthorised vending, pedestrians and motorists were facing serious inconvenience.
The removal drive was conducted as per the instructions of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr Ashwini Joshi. The operation was carried out under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Zone 1) Chanda Jadhav and led by Assistant Municipal Commissioner of B Ward Yogesh Desai.
Illegal shops, sheds and vehicles removed
During the drive, the civic team removed 7 illegal shops, 12 platforms (otas), tin and metal sheds, 10 bollards and 2 abandoned vehicles.
The operation was carried out using four encroachment removal vehicles, two JCB machines, and other equipment.
Around 40 BMC officials and staff, along with adequate police protection, were deployed to ensure smooth action.
Civic body to continue action against encroachments
Local residents have expressed satisfaction with the removal of encroachments, stating that pedestrian movement and traffic flow have improved, officials said.
They said that the BMC administration has said that regular action will continue against illegal and unauthorised constructions to ensure clear pavements and safer roads across the city.
BMC launch massive demolition drive between Goregaon and Borivali
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the BMC and Mumbai Police had launched a massive demolition and anti-encroachment drive between Goregaon and Borivali to clear roads near metro stations and congested roads, civic officials said.
The BMC with the assistance of Zone XI police, carried out a large-scale crackdown on illegal hawkers across Mumbai’s western suburbs, clearing some of the city’s most congested roads and transit zones, officials said.
According to police sources, the drive was conducted jointly by the BMC and Zone XI police and covered an extensive stretch from Goregaon to Borivali West.
During the special drive, key areas targeted during the operation included Kandivali Metro Station, New Link Road, Dahanu Karwadi, M.G. Road, Link Road, S.V. Road, Motilal Nagar, Raam Mandir, and surrounding suburban railway station areas. These locations are known for heavy pedestrian movement and frequent congestion caused by unauthorised hawking, the police said.
Officials said the operation focused on reclaiming footpaths and public spaces to ensure smooth pedestrian movement and traffic flow.
Footpaths and under-bridge settlements removed
During the drive, hawkers illegally occupying footpaths were removed, restoring access for pedestrians.
Civic teams also cleared illegal settlements set up under bridges, where members of a community had reportedly established temporary bases, officials said.
The civic officials stated that the roads near Kandivali Metro Station and Dahanu Karwadi were completely cleared following the action. Meanwhile, no illegal hawkers were found operating along the Vasant Complex stretch on Link Road after the enforcement drive.
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