• Traffic Chaos in Ghatkopar as Illegal Hawkers Occupy Roads
• Civic Negligence or Political Nexus? Ghatkopar’s Hawker Menace Returns
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Network
For the past few months, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had been cracking down on illegal hawkers occupying key roads in Ghatkopar West. However, in a sudden reversal, these roads are once again overrun with street vendors. This has sparked outrage among pedestrians and commuters, who question why enforcement has come to a halt.
While Supreme Court orders prohibit hawkers from setting up shop within a 150-meter radius of railway stations, vendors continue to thrive along Shree Shradanand Road near Ghatkopar station. Meanwhile, MG Road is experiencing severe traffic congestion due to makeshift stalls and pushcarts blocking the main thoroughfare. The worst-affected areas include the path under the metro bridge leading to Sarvodaya Hospital, Khote Galli, the old post office road, and key junctions such as Milan Shopping Centre and Hindu Sabha Hospital. Pedestrians struggle to find space to walk, leading to growing frustration among residents.
The situation has led to accusations that civic authorities are deliberately turning a blind eye. “Does the BMC have an understanding with these hawkers?” a frustrated commuter asked, questioning the sudden withdrawal of enforcement.
Previously, complaints from citizens had prompted periodic crackdowns, leading to some relief. However, the vendors have now reclaimed their spaces, raising concerns about whether the authorities have eased enforcement due to political or financial interests. The Sprouts News Team visited the affected areas and found that despite repeated complaints, no permanent action has been taken.
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• Hawkers’ Dominance in Ghatkopar East
The hawker menace is not limited to Ghatkopar West. In the eastern part of the suburb, food cart vendors have taken over key junctions, including the Nilayog Mall Chowk. The congestion is made worse by autorickshaws, making pedestrian movement nearly impossible.
A recent incident highlighted the brazenness of these hawkers. When a car driver asked a vendor to clear the way, the hawker allegedly charged at him with a knife used for chopping onions. Shockingly, the altercation happened just 10-15 feet away from a police outpost under Pant Nagar Police Station’s jurisdiction. Despite the police presence, citizens fear retaliation and hesitate to file complaints against these aggressive vendors. The Sprouts News Team reached out to local authorities, but officials declined to comment on why enforcement has slowed.
• Official Response:
When questioned about the issue, Gajanand Bellale, Assistant Municipal Commissioner of N Ward, Ghatkopar, stated, “Our crackdown on illegal hawkers continues and will persist. However, if they return after our vehicles leave, that’s beyond our control.”
• Public Outcry for Action:
With roads choked and pedestrian pathways vanishing under hawker encroachments, citizens are calling for stricter, more sustained enforcement. Many fear that without continuous action, Ghatkopar will permanently lose its walkability, turning everyday commutes into a chaotic struggle. The Sprouts News Team will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as it unfolds.
Will the authorities finally take firm action, or will Ghatkopar continue to suffocate under the weight of illegal encroachments?