NGO opposes civic body’s plan to allow hawkers on Mumbai’s skywalks and FOBs

BMC has ignored guidelines, allocated hawking spots in arbitrary manner, said NAGAR

NAGAR, an NGO that works on the issue of hawkers in Mumbai, has submitted a letter to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), objecting to the manner in which it has determined hawking pitches across the city. This is in response to the civic body’s invitation to citizens for opinions and objections.

The civic body has also proposed to increase the number of hawkers in Mumbai from 22,097 to 89,797. (HT File Photo)

One hawking pitch is one spot occupied by one hawker.

“On scrutinising the list, we found that many guidelines have been ignored, and pitches have been allocated in an arbitrary manner,” the letter said. Earlier, the NGO had written to the deputy municipal commissioner asking that the BMC publish a list of hawking pitches along with guidelines.

The NGO has submitted objections on allowing hawking at seven spots, which includes the allocation of 180 hawking spots on Goregaon skywalk and the foot over-bridge at Malad (east). It has also raised objections against allowing pitches near Dahisar river, and near schools, hospitals and railway stations.

The BMC had put up a list (on its website mcgm.gov.in) of 85,891 demarcated hawking pitches across the city as per the 2015 survey, and has invited suggestions and objections from citizens till January 31. After this, the pitches will be finalised. Based on this list, Andheri has the highest number of pitches at 8,500.

The civic body has proposed to increase the number of hawkers in Mumbai from 22,097 to 89,797 as it has received many applications for hawkers’ licences.