The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its anti-encroachment drive across mumbai under its ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign, targeting unauthorised shops, hawkers, temporary sheds and other structures obstructing footpaths.
On Thursday, the civic body conducted drives in Dadar East and Santacruz East, removing 15 unauthorised shops and taking action against 15 hawkers. Temporary sheds, platforms and other obstructions were also cleared, including around 500 metres of footpath in Santacruz East.
The action was carried out by the BMC’s F-South and H-East wards in line with directions from the Bombay High Court to ensure that footpaths remain accessible and safe for pedestrians.
🔹महानगरपालिका आयुक्त श्रीमती अश्विनी भिडे यांच्या मार्गदर्शनात, पदपथ अडथळामुक्त करुन पादचाऱ्यांसाठी चालण्यायोग्य बनविण्यासाठी बृहन्मुंबई महानगरपालिकेकडून ‘पादचारी प्रथम’ (Pedestrian First) अभियान राबविण्यात येत आहे.
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) August 13, 2026
🔹या अभियान अंतर्गत, ‘एच पूर्व’ विभागाकडून सांताक्रूझ… pic.twitter.com/HoBvzQWojd
The F-South Ward carried out the drive in Dadar East under the supervision of Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 2) Prashant Sapkale and Assistant Commissioner (F-South) Vrushali Ingule.
Along the footpath adjoining Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, civic officials removed:
The action was aimed at restoring pedestrian access to the footpath and preventing unauthorised structures from occupying public space.
The BMC’s H-East Ward conducted a separate operation in Santacruz East under Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone 3) Vishwas Mote and Assistant Commissioner (H-East) Mridula Ande.
Six unauthorised shops were removed from Road Nos. 6, 7 and 11 in the TPS-3 area. Officials also cleared five unauthorised shops from footpaths adjoining Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Road. A food van was among the structures removed during the operation.
The drive resulted in approximately 500 metres of footpath being cleared, improving pedestrian access along the affected stretches.
The BMC had also conducted a major anti-encroachment operation in Mulund on Tuesday as part of the same ‘Pedestrian First’ initiative.
The joint drive was undertaken by the T, S and N wards across several locations in Mulund. Officials removed:
Materials found blocking the footpaths were also seized.
In Mulund West, the operation covered areas including Ram Ratan Trivedi Marg, Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Sevaram Lalwani Marg, Ratanji Hirji Bhograj Marg, Jhaver Marg and Ganesh Gawde Marg.
In Mulund East, civic officials carried out action around Lokmanya Tilak Marg and Navghar Road.
The civic administration said the ongoing campaign is intended to keep footpaths clear and improve pedestrian safety across Mumbai.
The campaign is being implemented under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and the leadership of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Prajakta Verma-Lavangare.
The BMC has appealed to residents, shopkeepers and other establishments not to carry out unauthorised construction or place goods and other materials on footpaths in a way that blocks pedestrian movement.
The civic body also warned that strict action will be taken against fresh encroachments found on footpaths and other public spaces.
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