The BMC has identified 20 high-footfall locations across Mumbai for strict action against unauthorised hawkers as part of a renewed anti-encroachment drive. The plan includes daily eviction operations with police support and the introduction of QR codes for licensed hawkers to improve monitoring and compliance
Hawkers in Dadar last month. PIC/SHADAB KHAN
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has identified 20 high-footfall locations across the city for focused action against unauthorised hawkers, as part of a renewed push to keep key stretches encroachment-free. The move comes alongside plans to introduce QR code identification for licensed hawkers and stricter enforcement in areas with persistent violations and low compliance.
At a glance
Action focus: 20 hawker-prone locations
Objective: Keep key footpaths hawker-free
Enforcement: Daily eviction drives with police support
Tech measure: QR codes for licensed hawkers
Total licensed hawkers: ~12,567
Why these 20 locations
>>High pedestrian movement
>>Persistent unauthorised hawking
>>Low presence of licensed vendors
Licensed hawkers ward-wise snapshot
Highest: P South (912), P North (845), H West (721)
Mid-range: K East (689), K West (655), C (656)
Lower: F North (152), F South (198), M East (215)
List of identified hotspots
South Mumbai (A ward)
>>CSMT to Court
>>Churchgate, Bombay High Court
>>CSMT subway
Central and western suburbs
>>Dadar station (east and west) – G/N
>>Bandra station (east – H/E, west – H/W)
>>Linking Road, Bandra – H/W
>>Andheri (east –K/E, west – K/W)
Western suburbs
>>Malad station (west) – P/N
>>SV Road – P/S
>>Bharucha Road – R/N
Eastern suburbs and beyond
>>Mulund check naka – T
>>Thane Road – T
>>Khar station – H/W
>>Tilak Nagar station (east and west) – L
>>Chembur station – M/E
>>LBS Road – Sqw
Background
The 20 locations were finalised in a June 2024 meeting chaired by then municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani
Instructions issued to keep these areas consistently hawker-free
What is the plan
>>Regular eviction drives at identified hotspots
>>Joint action by BMC and Mumbai Police
>>Daily reporting by the civic licence department
Two enforcement shifts:
Morning: 8 am to 4 pm
Evening: 3 pm to 11 pm
What the mayor said
Mayor Ritu Tawde said the administration will create clear hawking and non-hawking zones across the city.
“We will create hawking and non-hawking zones. There will be signage to indicate non-hawking zones. Specific places will be identified for licensed hawkers. My letters have gone to the departments concerned to pay attention to the issue,” she said.
What officials said
A senior civic official said:
>>“All licensed hawkers will be issued QR codes by April-end.”
>> “Stricter action will be taken at the 20 identified spots.”
>> “Flying squads are already taking action every day.”
QR code system
All licensed hawkers to get QR codes by April-end
Total expected: 10,500
Purpose:
>>Easy identification
>>Prevent misuse of licences
>>Improve monitoring
Future allocation
Hawkers who have applied to be assigned pitches within one year
Estimated beneficiaries: 22,000
Based on the town vending committee recommendations
Licensed hawkers distribution
Island city: 3633
Western suburbs: 6132
Eastern suburbs: 2802
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