BMC cracks down on encroachments on Lalbaug’s Mirchi Galli

Civic teams seized some chilies and other spices laid out on the streets and directed shopkeepers to move their stock indoors. Officials from the F-south ward (Parel, Lalbaug, Naigaon, Sewri, and Cotton Green) said the action followed repeated complaints about roads being choked due to heavy footfall and encroachments in the busy market stretch

Mumbai: In a joint enforcement drive, officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police cracked down on spice traders in Lalbaug’s popular “mirchi galli”, acting on complaints of congestion and public inconvenience.

BMC cracks down on encroachments on Lalbaug’s Mirchi Galli.

Civic teams seized some chilies and other spices laid out on the streets and directed shopkeepers to move their stock indoors. Officials from the F-south ward (Parel, Lalbaug, Naigaon, Sewri, and Cotton Green) said the action followed repeated complaints about roads being choked due to heavy footfall and encroachments in the busy market stretch. “We will continue the drive in the coming days,” an official said.

Residents have long flagged issues during the summer months, when spices are dried and processed on the streets. They said the activity not only blocks roads but also leads to smoke from on-site frying, causing discomfort to those living nearby.

“Shopkeepers stack sacks on one side, while sorting is done on the other. With crowds moving through the middle, the entire stretch turns into a traffic nightmare,” a resident said.

“Summer is the peak season for grinding masalas, which are popular and draw buyers from far and wide. This activity lasts barely two months, when people stock up for the year. Both residents and the BMC should show some accommodation,” Tawde said.