Mumbai: In a stern action against unauthorised hawkers at Colaba Causeway - the famous shopping street in south Mumbai, the BMC on Tuesday started its eviction drive.
60+ Unauthorised Hawkers Removed by Late Evening
"By evening, action was taken against more than 60 hawkers who were violating rules. The action continued late till late night," said Jaideep More, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of A ward.
Supreme Court Petitioners Spared for Now
More, however clarified that no action is been taken against the 253 hawkers who have approached the Supreme Court seeking protection. The hawkers union has been claiming that apart from the 83 licensed hawkers, the remaining ones are also eligible for protection as they were surveyed by the BMC.
Bombay High Court Directed BMC to Evict Unlicensed Hawkers
In April, the Bombay High court issued directions to the BMC evict the unlicensed hawkers after the civic body informed it that there were only 83 licensed hawkers in the area, as opposed to the 253 claimed by the Colaba Causeway Tourism Hawkers Stall Union (CCTHSU). The union had earlier asked time to vacate 170 hawkers who were unlicenced.
Residents Allege Footpath Encroachment and Misuse
However, the members of Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association (CHCRA) who had also approached the court seeking eviction of hawkers from Colaba Causeway, who occupy footpath, causing inconvenience to the pedestrians, said that no unlicenced hawkers have been evicted since the court order.
"The hawkers are seeking protection from eviction showing old Supreme Court order. All authorities are fooling us. The space allowed to put their stalls is 1m x 1m. But they encroch the entire footpath and use the pillars as well to hand clothes" said a resident Rajiv D.
Police-Assisted Action Follows Residents’ Complaint
The residents had visited the Colaba police station on Monday demanding eviction of hawkers from the area. Following, which the BMC action was taken on Tuesday, under police security. The hawkers were seen arguing with the BMC officials showing survey papers and obstructing the action against them.
Although the residents welcomed the action taken by the BMC on Tuesday, they fear the hawkers will return to business in no time.
