The issue of illegal hawkers continues to escalate, particularly along the busiest routes in the Dadar area, creating serious disruptions. Key intersections such as the junction of R.K. Vaidya Road, opposite Veer Kotwal Garden, and N.C. Kelkar Road has become major hotspots for encroachment. This illegal vending has led to severe traffic congestion, causing daily chaos for both motorists and pedestrians, complains Dadar Vyapari Sangh (DVS). They have also written to BMC and Police authorities, urging for joint action to address the rampant encroachment and restore order to the area.
Dadar, a popular shopping destination in the city, attracts lakhs of footfalls daily due to its station connecting the Western and Central lines, along with surrounding vegetable and flower markets. However, most of the roads and footpaths are occupied by hawkers, causing inconvenience to citizens. Last year, there were several brawls between hawkers and traders in Dadar, Chembur, Ghatkopar, and Bandra area. The hawkers have encroached on both roads and shop entrances, according to the DVS. While civic officials claim to have taken regular action against illegal hawkers outside Dadar station, the situation remains unchanged, with hawkers quickly returning to occupy the footpaths.
In a letter addressed to Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, the DVS stated, "Traffic congestion in Dadar has reached a critical level, worsened by hawkers occupying road corners and footpaths. Despite occasional actions, these appear to be mere formalities, as hawkers seem to receive prior warnings, suggesting some officials may be tipping them off. Additionally, we wish to highlight the role of traffic constables stationed near major showrooms at the N.C. Kelkar Road signal, who are observed permitting vehicles of showroom customers."
Sunil Shah, President of DVS, expressed his concerns over the stalled Valet Parking initiative, stating, "We are ready to revive the Valet Parking service, which was unfortunately halted due to a lack of support from relevant authorities. However, this can only happen if the BMC, Police, and Traffic Department come together to collaborate on this initiative for the greater benefit of society. We urge for a joint meeting at the earliest to discuss and develop a sustainable, long-term solution." Deepak Devrukhkar, Secretary of DVS, further added, "We have reached out to all 11 relevant authorities, including the BMC, Police, and Traffic departments, to take swift action against illegal hawkers. Unfortunately, the ongoing blame game between these departments is causing roadblocks, preventing the effective enforcement of law and order, not only in Dadar but across the entire Mumbai region."
Meanwhile, an official stated, "Regular actions are being taken against illegal hawkers. However, the issue will be fully addressed once the new hawker policy is in place." Ajit Kumar Ambi, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of G North, was unavailable for comment. In 2014, the Central Government had directed all the States to implement the hawkers' policy. Thereafter, the BMC had conducted a survey of 1,28,444 hawkers. A total of 99,435 applications received the hawking license. The BMC had selected 15,631 applications for further processing. The policy is yet to be implemented.
