The issue of illegal hawkers isn’t novel in Mumbai and its suburbs. However, in order to clamp down against illegal hawkers, who were evading action by operating during night time, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has deputed night squads for conducting anti-encroachment drives and to get rid of the menace.
This development came as the officials observed that many illegal hawkers operate at night without fearing any action from the administration.
Accordingly, on Friday, November 12, Municipal Commissioner Dilip Dhole himself took to the streets while leading the anti-encroachment drive in Mira Road. He was assisted by deputy municipal commissioner Maruti Gaikwad.
Apart from this, the civic administration has also started a new way of dealing with illegal hawkers during the eviction.
Instead of keeping stalls and handcarts in warehouses, they are now being crushed beyond any use with the help of JCB machines.
The action was taken on around 156 handcarts on the stretch of road between Jangid Circle (Silver Park) and Hotel Balaji (Shanti Park) which falls under the jurisdiction of ward number six.
The anti-encroachment team also cracked down on illegal extensions and stalls which were operating without any permission from the civic body.
It also came to light that pavements, roads, and by-lanes in densely populated residential pockets have turned into open-air eateries at night-time with rampant cooking taking place in food stalls and illegally operating food trucks, forcing pedestrians to walk on the road amidst heavy traffic movement.
The civic body chief has directed and warned ward officers of disciplinary action if illegal hawkers are found to be operating in their respective jurisdictions.
Earlier, in September, a first night raid was started by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Ward B, but was later ceased by enormous political pressure of Vote Bank, claimed sources on Twitter.
#BMC - 1#MBMC - 1
— Mumbadevi Praja Forum (@MumbadeviPraja) November 15, 2021
In Sep. first night raid was started by @mybmcWardB, but was later ceased by enormous political pressure of #VoteBank. The problem is the incompetent Elected Representative, choose your neta on Merit.@AUThackeray@IqbalSinghChah2 @mayor_mumbai @Kamlakar_Shenoy https://t.co/oYVcNGbmdV pic.twitter.com/ebfN0tuDGq
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