HAWKERS FACE BMC WRATH Illegal stalls demolished!
Keeping in mind the citizen’s problems and the proliferation of illegal stalls, BMC T-Ward has initiated stringent measures to tackle the hawkers’ menace. This has led to a sense of relief, albeit temporarily, amongst Mulundkars. Moreover, the footpaths now wear a clean look, being rid of hawkers and their stalls. However, the citizens are wondering how long this clean effect will last. BMC T-Ward’s Anti-Encroachment Dept. began razing all illegal stalls at P.K.Road from Sai Dham Shopping Plaza right up to Kalidas Hall.
T-Ward’s Licence Dept. head, Ravindra Shinde, led the onslaught against footpath illegal stalls with his team on Thursday. Without warning, he employed bulldozers to bring down the stalls, creating chaos and fear amongst the stall owners. Thereafter, the hawkers began removing their belongings when the Anti-encroachment officials confiscated their wares. It is interesting to note that these officials have to often contend with belligerent illegal stall owners. But, this time around, T-Ward’s Anti- encroachment workers dexterously went about their task bravely and, unmindful of the backlash from the hawkers, destroyed the stalls and the belongings. Surprising as it may seem, the bulldozer accomplished the task in just 10 -15 seconds per stall after getting the stalls on the road. Further, 30 to 40 illegal hawkers and stall owners were booked, and 4 gas cylinders were confiscated as also plastic sheds of these stalls were also destroyed. Similar demolishment drives were conducted at Nandanvan Industrial area, P.K.Road, M.G.Road, R.R.T.Road in Mulund(W) and Chaphekar Bandhu Road and 90-Feet Road in Mulund(E).
This has been BMC T-Ward’s first action against illegal stalls and hawkers this year,with a terse warning that henceforth Ant- encroachment officials will return with the police and act similarly.
Last year, the same Department had initiated legal action against 7-8,000 hawkers and illegal stall owners. Moreover, Rs. 80,000/- in fines is being recovered every month from such hawkers. Despite this, the hawkers remain undeterred, resulting in constant inconvenience to the citizens of Mulund.
Any permanent solution in sight, wonder Mulundkars!!
