Veggies hidden in Vakola drains: Mumbai civic body promises action

Video shows hawkers removing vegetables from inside drains, after civic officials leave the area and start selling again

After a video went viral on Friday showing hawkers hiding vegetables, fruits and other items in the drains to avoid action from civic officials, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has promised action. The video shows hawkers from Vakola removing their saleable items from inside the drains, which is built to help water recede, soon after the civic officials leave the area and start selling again.

The BMC said it is trying to locate the hawkers seen in the video. (HT File)

This can prove dangerous for the health of the citizens. Assistant municipal commissioner of H (East) ward (Bandra) Alka Sasane confirmed that the video was from Vakola’s Nehru Road and that action has been initiated against hawkers. Sasane said, “We are locating the hawkers who were hiding items inside the nullahs. Henceforth, first information report will be registered immediately against the person who is caught in the activity.”

After the Elphinstone stampede that took place on September 29, which claimed the lives of 23 people, the BMC initiated action against several hawkers across the city. The civic body has also demarcated hawking zones in the city for which it is awaiting suggestions and objections from citizens.