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The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) carried out a major eviction drive in Andheri West on Thursday, removing nearly 200 illegal hawkers and unauthorised structures. The action targeted encroachments along Ram Ganesh Gadkari Marg, also known as Irla Marg, which connects Swami Vivekananda Road to Gulmohar Road. The operation also covered the approach road leading to Dr R N Cooper Municipal General Hospital. Civic officials said the stretch had been heavily encroached upon for a long time, causing inconvenience to commuters and residents. The clearance drive was undertaken to restore smooth traffic flow and reclaim public spaces meant for pedestrians.According to civic officials, the unauthorised hawking stalls were creating severe obstacles for both vehicular traffic and people walking along the road. More critically, these encroachments were hampering the movement of ambulances entering Cooper Hospital, especially during medical emergencies. Authorities noted that delays caused by blocked access roads could put patients’ lives at risk. Complaints from local residents and hospital authorities had highlighted the seriousness of the issue. Considering the potential danger to emergency services, the BMC decided to take immediate and decisive action to remove the illegal stalls and temporary structures.In an official statement, the BMC said that unauthorised hawkers had set up makeshift shops on footpaths, narrowing the available space and forcing pedestrians onto the road. This situation created traffic congestion and posed safety risks. The K West administrative ward conducted the large-scale eviction drive to clear these obstructions. Nearly 200 illegal hawkers and structures were removed during the operation. Civic officials reiterated that public safety, pedestrian convenience and unobstructed access to healthcare facilities were the key reasons behind the action undertaken in Andheri West.The eviction drive was carried out with extensive logistical support and manpower. The civic body deployed four encroachment removal vehicles, three JCB machines and additional equipment to dismantle and transport the illegal structures. Around 100 personnel, including BMC staff and police officers, were present at the site to ensure the operation proceeded smoothly and without law-and-order issues. Officials said police support was crucial to prevent resistance and manage crowds. The coordinated effort helped complete the drive efficiently within a limited timeframe, officials added.The BMC stated that similar actions against unauthorised constructions and illegal hawking activities will continue in the coming days across Mumbai. Civic authorities said regular drives are necessary to deter repeat violations and reclaim public spaces. Encroachments on footpaths and roads not only inconvenience citizens but also undermine urban planning efforts. Officials emphasised that sustained enforcement is essential to maintain order. However, they acknowledged that long-term solutions would require cooperation from multiple agencies, along with strict monitoring to prevent hawkers from returning soon after eviction drives.Unauthorised hawkers remain a persistent civic problem across Mumbai, affecting pedestrian safety, traffic movement and overall public order. Despite repeated eviction drives by the BMC, footpaths, busy junctions and areas near railway stations continue to be encroached upon. Commercial hubs and densely populated residential areas are particularly affected. Civic activists argue that inconsistent enforcement and lack of follow-up allow illegal hawking to flourish. The ongoing struggle highlights the challenge of balancing livelihoods with the need for clear and accessible public spaces in a crowded metropolis like Mumbai.The issue recently drew renewed attention following a violent clash in Kurla involving three BJP workers and local hawkers. What began as a dispute over parking escalated into a physical assault, leaving three people critically injured. The incident, which occurred on January 18, exposed the stronghold of unauthorised hawkers allegedly protected by organised hawking networks. Separately, the Clean Heritage Colaba Residents Association approached the Bombay High Court seeking the removal of illegal hawkers from Colaba Causeway. Despite court directions, hawkers continue operating, affecting the heritage precinct.Repeated eviction drives have often failed to provide lasting relief, as hawkers frequently return within hours. A recent example was seen near Bhandup railway station, where a BEST bus accident killed four people and injured 11 others after the footpath was encroached upon. Following the tragedy, the BMC temporarily cleared the area, but hawkers soon resumed business. BMC officials cite staff shortages as a major hurdle. Superintendent of Licences Anil Kate said the department lacks 36 inspectors and 125 labourers, making sustained enforcement difficult.

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