A recent page on X has posted a few pictures and highlighted the issue of illegal hawkers selling goods on the streets of Mumbai. It has raised a voice over the issue of these peddlers occupying the space and making the use of the footpath difficult for people. The X page posted the photos along with a caption that read, “Wednesday Mayhem at Mahim. Roads Footpaths Bus Stops building compounds encroached by illegal Hawkers creating a ruckus & dirtying the place under the guise of Mela/Fair. What Nonsense.”
At Vikhroli West Station Road, illegal street vendors are breaking the law by bribing the BMC and the police and using petrol cylinders. Due to the Street sellers Act of 2014, which requires a 1.5-meter pedestrian clearance, licensed sellers are likewise subject to limitations.
Due to a lack of enforcement, people are forced to stroll on the road, putting their safety at jeopardy. Food carts and unlawful hawkers have taken over the walkway outside Matunga Gymkhana, which is close to Ruia and Podar colleges. Although many locals have been speaking out against these problems to the civic body, nothing long-term has been done about them.
In response to the post, the civic organisation Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that the problem has been communicated to the relevant authorities. "We have conveyed your complaint to the concerned department," said the comment section's answer.
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Many reacted to this issue on the internet. A user wrote, “These hawkers have started taking over inner roads also, soon they will sit inside the building, also multiple robberies and break ins happening and 0 action from the authorities.” He further added, “We the residents of mahim west are suffering due to this situation, heavy traffic jams, filthy roads, these hawkers urinate on the footpath, also see tomo morning how filthy the road is, @mybmc refuses to remove them as hafta collection is good, multiple complaints but no action.”
Another user wrote, “Every Wednesday outside Mahim daily at Linking Rd n Hill Rd. BMC most corrupt set up they thrive under the umbrella of BMC so do slums. Outside Suburban Railway station one can barely walk or drive. Salary Perks Pension n Hafta with zero work is what defines BMC. Shameless Lot.”
Another user wrote, “@mybmc: is there an appraisal process or even that is corrupted.”