Union cracks the whip on errant hawkers in Borivili……Sandeep Ashar
Now, there is an encroachment removal squad by the hawkers against hawkers.
Flustered by repeated drives and action undertaken by the police and the civic authorities against nuisance created by hawkers, the Mumbai Hawkers Union has decided to take things in its own hands to discipline its community.
The union has hired private security guards to work like BMC’s encroachment removal squad for hawkers peddling their wares at Ajanta Gully near Borivili station on the western side. Mumbai Hawkers Union vice-president Sitabai Devkar said the security guards were expected to keep tabs on hawkers creating nuisance and traffic problems by spilling on to the roads. They will be paid by the union.
“Hawkers have been there for four decades. Now there are at least 450 hawkers in the area. Before we took the initiative, many were blocking the way for pedestrians and vehicles. Following complaints from citizens, BMC and the police took action, affecting their trade,” she said.
A month ago, the local hawkers association affiliated to the union decided to do something. “There was a consensus that we needed to be more disciplined and friendly to other road users. Last week, we hired private security guards.”
The guards will also ensure that hawkers dispose of waste properly and do not dirty the area. Vasant Rai, a security guard, said hawkers were cooperating with him. Rickshaw driver Bharat Mehta said, “Travelling has become much easy. Now hawkers sit on the sidewalks, facilitating better movement.” Even hawkers are happy. The move, many say, has led to better business. Amjad Tamboli, an agarbatti vendor for two decades, said, “Many customers told me that they were happy to see the change.”
Borivili ward officials too are happy. But the anti-hawker drive will continue, an official said.