Mumbai Corporators Question BMC Over Arbitrary Action in Hawker Crackdown

MUMBAI — Corporators cutting across party lines have expressed strong concern over the manner in which the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is executing its ongoing crackdown on hawkers encroaching on footpaths across Mumbai, alleging that the enforcement drive is arbitrary and suffers from poor execution at the ward level.

While corporators stated that they broadly support the civic body's 'Pedestrian First' initiative, they raised serious questions regarding the way the drive is being enforced on the ground. Representatives highlighted issues regarding enforcement measures directed against hawkers who have already been officially issued QR-coded identity cards by the civic administration.

BJP corporator Sheetal Gambir pointed out that hawkers found occupying excessive space should be advised to reduce their footprint rather than being subjected to repeated financial penalties. She noted that many vendors have been severely affected by the compounding fines and are approaching local representatives for financial assistance after being left with no money.

UBT Shiv Sena corporator Deepmala Bhade also challenged the civic body's enforcement strategy, raising concerns about action being taken against licensed vendors. She noted that QR-coded identity cards were distributed to hawkers in the presence of local representatives, making subsequent punitive measures against the same vendors contradictory to the purpose of issuing the identification cards in the first place.

The corporators have urged the civic authorities to address inconsistencies in the drive and ensure clearer guidelines for ward-level officials implementing footpath clearance measures across the city.