Residents blame police, BMC for menace

If the residents are to be believed, the nexus between the civic authorities, police officials and hawkers is to be blamed for the presence of hawkers on the congested SV Road in Andheri.

If the residents are to be believed, the nexus between the civic authorities, police officials and hawkers is to be blamed for the presence of hawkers on the congested SV Road in Andheri.

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“Hawkers put up their stalls from 1pm to 4pm and then 6.30pm onwards. Meanwhile, the hawkers hide their goods on Paliram Road, Cama Road and Gaothan lane. As soon as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) van leaves, they return. Also, the civic authorities will never conduct drive during the hawkers’ business hours,” alleged Paresh Savla, member of Andheri West Shopkeepers Welfare Association.

“On being evicted, they keep their wares on Cama Road which inconveniences residents,” said Cyrus Karanjia, secretary, Cama Park Housing Society.

Deputy municipal commissioner zone IV, Ashok Khaire, said, “We cannot keep track of all roads at the same time. But, we will deploy a BMC van at the spot in the evening hours. We had informed the police that the road has been cleared. Now, it’s their responsibility to ensure that the hawkers don’t return.”

Prakash Shetye, police sub-inspector, DN Nagar police station, said, “If the hawkers return after eviction, we will assist the civic authorities in the action.”