BMC to bring back mobile vans in western suburbs

Finally taking notice of complaints about the nuisance of hawkers in the western suburbs, the civic body has ordered three ward offices to restart deployment of anti-encroachment vans at busy locations. Prajakta Chavan reports.

Finally taking notice of complaints about the nuisance of hawkers in the western suburbs, the civic body has ordered three ward offices to restart deployment of anti-encroachment vans at busy locations.

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A delegation of more than 10 citizens visited additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani on Monday.

The residents spoke about hawker encroachment in prime locations at Bandra — Hill Road, Linking Road, SV Road — Andheri station, Santacruz station, Daulatnagar in Santacruz (West) and Kalina village main road in Santacruz (East).

“Hawkers occupy the entire footpath and half the carriageway. Earlier, anti-encroachment vans were permanently stationed at these prime locations, but for the last three months, BMC has removed them, and hawkers flock to these areas fearlessly,” said Murtuza Sakarwala, a shopkeeper from Andheri.

Speaking about civic inaction, Aftab Siddique, Bandra resident, said: “We had a similar meeting on August 3, but nothing was done. We were told to approach deputy commissioner (encroachment) Chandrashekhar Rokade. We also complained to the additional commissioner about Rokade’s inaction,” Siddique added.

Adtani said: “The complaint against Rokade was made but there was no inquiry. I have ordered the ward officers to station the mobile vans outside said locations.”