BMC Clears 6 Unauthorised Shops and 43 Hawkers in Lalbaug Footpath Drive

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday cleared several encroachments, including six unauthorised shops and 43 unauthorised hawkers, from footpaths across the Lalbaug area as part of its ongoing 'Pedestrian First' campaign.

The anti-encroachment drive was executed by civic teams from the BMC's F-South Ward. The operation focused on restoring pedestrian pathways in various sections of Lalbaug, specifically covering footpaths adjoining Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and locations situated around prominent Ganpati idols.

During the drive, civic officials dismantled and removed six unauthorised shops, 24 temporary tarpaulin sheds, and three unauthorised platforms that had encroached upon public walking spaces. Action was also taken against 43 unauthorised hawkers found obstructing movement along the walkways.

According to the civic body, the action forms part of the 'Pedestrian First' initiative, which is designed to ensure that footpaths remain obstruction-free, safe, and fully accessible for pedestrians throughout the neighbourhood.