Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued notices to over 110 shops on Hill Road warning them of stringent action, including cancellation of license, if they enable hawkers to conduct business from their shops or aid them in hiding their goods during the civic drive.
Vinayak Vispute, assistant commissioner, H(west) ward told HT that the notices were issued on Monday pursuant to a decision taken last week during a meeting with citizens and MLA Ashish Shelar over the issue of illegal hawkers, who have taken over shops, and footpaths to sell their goods.
The BMC notice issued to shop-owners stated, “It is observed that on seeing BMC vehicle, some illegal hawkers hide their goods in the shops adjoining the footpath of Hill Road and flee from the spot. The shopkeepers and society who are located along Hill Road allow such illegal hawkers to hide their goods in their shops and thereby help such illegal hawkers in avoiding BMC action. Due to this, illegal hawkers return and cause obstruction and annoyance to the public. It is also learnt that your premises, footpath and roads in front of your shops are allowed to be used by illegal hawkers their business.”
The BMC further stated in the notice that such acts reduce the efficiency of seizure action and create hurdles in the way of the civic official. The BMC warned that if such actions continue license permission issued to the shops will be revoked and further action deemed fit as per due processes of law will be initiated.
HT had on August 2 reported that the BMC intends to cancel licenses of shops aiding illegal hawkers on Hill Road and instances where shop owners rented out their premises to multiple hawkers.
“There are approximately 300 shops on Hill Road. I know of some shops and even licensed stall owners who have got notices. The shop owners are only concerned with the rent and we are not sure how this notice will be treated. There is a footwear shop that has rented the place to five hawkers. In addition to the shops, they also use the footpath. About 20-25 shops are run by hawkers in front of the Bandra medical store,” said a shopkeeper on Hill Road, requesting anonymity.
“Shop owners do not encourage hawkers as they block the view of the shops. There are a few incidents of shopkeepers supporting but largely we are against hawkers,” said a garment shop owner.