Bandra’s Hill Road Encroachments Return Despite BMC Demolitions and Notices

Enforcement action against footpath encroachments along Hill Road in Bandra West has lost momentum, leaving local residents frustrated as street vendors have returned shortly after their stalls were demolished by municipal authorities.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) H West ward initiated action following an inspection on August 19, which was carried out in response to complaints submitted by Advanced Locality Management (ALM) 74. During the drive, civic officials executed demolitions and served 15-day notices to defaulting vendors occupying pedestrian spaces.

However, over the subsequent 13 days, residents noted that the enforcement began to dilute. Despite the impending expiry of the 15-day notice window, several vendors, including shoe sellers, quickly re-established their setups on the footpaths.

Addressing the situation, Dinesh Pallewad, assistant municipal commissioner for the H West ward, acknowledged the ongoing challenges, stating that a systemic change is required to make the area pedestrian-friendly.

Local residents continue to voice concerns over the recurring encroachments, calling for sustained measures to ensure the busy Bandra stretch remains accessible to pedestrians.