Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde Vows Faster Action Against Illegal Bangladeshi Hawkers

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Thursday stated that the crackdown on unauthorised hawkers across the city marks only the start of a larger and more intensive campaign. Addressing reporters about the ongoing operations, she said the drive will gain significant momentum in the weeks ahead. Tawde emphasised that the primary focus is on illegal Bangladeshi hawkers who, according to her, have been occupying public spaces unlawfully. She confirmed that investigations are already underway in different parts of Mumbai and assured that the initiative will continue without interruption. Describing it as her top priority after taking office, she said monthly review meetings will monitor progress on the 276 identified cases.

Reiterating her firm stance, Tawde said the present action is merely the first phase and that enforcement efforts will accelerate further. She recalled her earlier announcement that action had commenced citywide against illegal Bangladeshi hawkers encroaching on public areas. Stressing that the administration’s full attention remains on the issue, the Mayor made it clear that the campaign would not be halted midway. She maintained that authorities are determined to ensure strict implementation and sustained follow-up, adding that regular assessments will help evaluate how many cases have been addressed and how many remain pending under the identified list.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: On illegal Hawker's, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde says, "No, this is just the beginning. From here, the work will progress even more rapidly. As I had mentioned, action has started across Mumbai against the illegal Bangladeshi hawkers occupying spaces here..." pic.twitter.com/ZErVqb7oDn

— IANS (@ians_india) February 19, 2026

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Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has intensified demolition and anti-encroachment operations across several prominent stretches in the city over the past few days. On Tuesday, civic officials carried out action in areas such as Abdul Rehman Street, Jogeshwari and Kandivali, removing unauthorised constructions and illegal stalls. In south Mumbai, teams from the B and C wards conducted enforcement drives along Mohammad Ali Road and Abdul Rehman Street. Over 15 illegal extensions and 10 unauthorised stalls were dismantled between L T Road and Abdul Rehman Street, and from Yusuf Meherally Road to Mohammad Ali Road, with support from Pydhonie Police, nearly 40 civic workers and two JCB machines.

Similar clearance drives were undertaken in Jogeshwari, covering Station Road, Jogeshwari Caves Road, Subhash Road and Swami Vivekanand Road near Poonam Nagar. Officials from the K North ward reported that approximately 65 to 70 illegal hawkers and roadside shanties were removed during the operation. In addition, a separate demolition action was carried out on Boraspada Road near Kapol Vidyanidhi International School in Kandivali West. Authorities said these measures form part of a broader effort to reclaim pedestrian pathways, reduce congestion and improve public access across various parts of Mumbai.