The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken action against abandoned vehicles in Mumbai, in response to complaints from citizens. The civic body's efforts to tackle abandoned vehicles in Mumbai have been commendable, as they aim to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of disease transmission. The plans made and implemented by several divisions further strengthen the BMC's efforts against abandoned vehicles.
A recently shared report in the Free Press Journal mentioned that over the last year, the BMC has removed approximately 5,550 vehicles from the city's roadsides across the 24 administrative wards. The vehicles, which are currently located in junkyards, will soon be auctioned off, according to a civic official.
Intensified Action Against Abandoned Vehicles
After a two-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the BMC decided to intensify their efforts against abandoned vehicles. Notices were issued to 9,485 vehicle owners in the 24 administrative wards, with 3,685 owners removing their vehicles and 240 vehicles being released to their owners after payment of charges. The highest number of vehicles was removed from Grant Road, Tardeo (668), Parel (380), and Kandivali (362). The abandoned vehicles were seized under section 314 of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act 1888, as they pose a risk for disease transmission and traffic obstruction, as well as providing shelter to anti-social elements.
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48-Hour Notices
The BMC sticks 48-hours notices on vehicles that have been parked on roadsides for a long time. If the owners do not remove their vehicles within the stipulated time, the civic body tows the vehicles away. If the owners fail to claim their vehicles from the BMC within a month, the unclaimed vehicles are auctioned off. Currently, 5,550 vehicles are lying unclaimed in junkyards, with 70% being two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
Auctioning Off Unclaimed Vehicles
The respective ward will auction off the unclaimed vehicles after completing all legal formalities. According to sources from the Removal of Encroachment department, M east ward will arrange an auction soon for the vehicles towed from Govandi and Deonar areas, as per the notices issued last month.
Appointment of Nodal Officer
During a recent meeting, the BMC decided to appoint a nodal officer for each ward and begin a joint action with the traffic police to tackle abandoned vehicles across the city. The appointment of a nodal officer for each ward aims to strengthen the BMC's efforts against abandoned vehicles.
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Risk of Abandoned Vehicles
The BMC has highlighted that abandoned vehicles pose a significant risk to public health and safety. They can act as breeding grounds for diseases, obstruct traffic, and provide shelter for anti-social elements. The removal of abandoned vehicles from the city's roadsides is, therefore, crucial to maintain the safety and well-being of Mumbai's citizens.
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