Mumbai: Days after corporators from across party lines criticised BMC for cracking down on licensed hawkers with identity cards bearing QR codes during its ongoing anti-encroachment drive, civic commissioner Ashwini Bhide said licensed hawkers could conduct business on footpaths, but their activities should not obstruct pedestrian movement.Bhide and her team of officers inspected several parts of south Mumbai over more than three hours as part of a review of implementation of the civic body’s ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign.Bhide, who checked some licences, asserted that licensed hawkers must conduct business only within the space specified on their licences and not encroach beyond it. The licensing department was directed to take strict action against violators.Civic officers denied that Bhide’s directives were prompted by the uproar caused by corporators last week. “Right from the beginning, action was being taken only against unauthorised hawkers and those encroaching on additional space,” said an official.Dhaval Shah, a member of Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Forum, hoped that the anti-encroachment drive would not be scaled down or stopped under pressure. “It is creating a sense of fear among unauthorised hawkers and is helping address the menace to some extent. In fact, it should be handed over to the central flying squad for greater efficiency and to prevent hawkers from being tipped off about enforcement action.”Chembur resident Kala Suresh said, “I hope this campaign is extended to all wards. I have already complained to M-West ward about encroachments on the footpath along V N Purab Marg between 7th Road and D K Sandhu Marg. However, no action has been taken so far.”During her inspection, Bhide also directed her team to improve, beautify and secure footpaths and remove all forms of obstruction so that changes are visibly noticeable to pedestrians. She instructed officials to ensure that tree roots on footpaths are protected and branches pruned appropriately. Unsafe trees should be removed as per prescribed procedures and scientific methods, she said.Of 99,435 street vendors registered through the civic survey, 57,697 have so far been issued ID cards with QR codes. During verification, it was found that 3,950 others had died and 37,788 either did not report to civic offices despite being contacted or could not be reached.
