Pune VIDEO: Hawkers Occupy Viman Nagar-Kharadi Footpath, Locals Urge Authorities To Give Them Dedicated Space

The Viman Nagar to Kharadi footpath in Pune has been encroached by hawkers, causing inconvenience and safety hazards for pedestrians. Residents warn that if the issue is left unaddressed, it could escalate into a major nuisance, forcing the authorities to take reactive measures.

Local residents are urging the administration to act proactively by allocating a designated space for hawkers, ensuring both livelihood and security for vendors and a safe, unobstructed path for the public.

“The evenings have become unbearable. Hawkers serve food unchecked, and the customers, whether eating there or taking food away, block the entire footpath. We’re left with no choice but to cross to the other side of the road to escape the chaos,” said Roshan Pal, a resident of Viman Nagar. "Hawkers spread out all over the lane in a line, and at least 10-12 of them have occupied all of the footpath," he added.

"Every year, the civic authorities carry out an anti-encroachment drive once or twice, but within a couple of days, the hawkers return and reclaim public spaces. We have urged the PMC to allot them a designated spot nearby so they can run their businesses without blocking footpaths and inconveniencing pedestrians," Vikram Pingale, a resident of Chandan Nagar, said.

An X (formerly Twitter) user shared a video of the same and wrote, "Viman Nagar to Kharadi footpath is getting crowded day by day by the hawkers. After a year, it will become a nuisance, and then the government will resolve it. Why not provide them a proper place now and a safe road for the public?"

Meanwhile, The Free Press Journal tried to contact Sandeep Khalte, Ahmednagar Road Ward Officer, but didn't get any response.