Civic body evicts 1 lakh illegal hawkers in 6 months

Mumbai: In the backdrop of the growing discontent against illegal hawkers in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken action against one lakh unauthorised vendors in the last six months. The BMC has cracked a whip mainly against food stall vendors, who were found selling eatables.

According to the civic data, the BMC removed 1,02,402 illegal hawkers between April and September this year. A majority of the hawkers were selling eatables (38,244) followed by vendors selling non-perishable goods (33,164) and perishable goods (26,071). The civic body has undertaken various measures to intensify its drive against illegal hawkers in the city. One of the major steps is to form special ward-wise squads, which will work till late in the night and conduct surprise raids on vendors.

BMC chief Ajoy Mehta had directed to form a special squad in each of 24 wards in the city. Each squad has eight civic employees and labourers. Accordingly, 192 employees will work in these 24 squads.

“These squads have been asked to take action against illegal hawkers in the vicinity of railway stations on priority basis. In addition to this, every Thursday, ward-wise squads of seven wards will be brought together to take rapid action in that zone,” said deputy municipal commissioner Ranjit Dhakne of encroachment removal department.

Civic officials said, after office hours are over, illegal food vendors and hawkers are found to be operating near railway stations on roads and pavements till late in the night. Apart from causing inconvenience to commuters and motorists, the substandard food items they were serving were also causing threat to public health.

In addition to this, the civic body has also decided to double the penalty and redemption charges for illegal hawkers. The redemption charge and fine is levied on illegal hawkers according to the type and weight of goods seized from them. The redemption charge is imposed to cover expenses incurred by BMC for taking action against illegal hawkers and a fine is collected for doing illegal business at a public place.

Action taken by BMC against illegal hawkers in the past 6 months:
Total no. of hawkers removed: 1,02,402
Handcarts: 4,791 (Chinese 67, Eatables 1,747, others 2,977);
Table Stalls: 81
Eatable Hawkers: 38,244
Sugarcane crushers: 51
Perishable Goods: 26,071
Non-perishable Goods: 33,164