15 February,2018 09:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Laxman Singh
Representational picture
To tackle the rising menace of illegal hawking in Juhu, BJP corporator from the area Rohan Rathore has formed a special squad to conduct surprise checks, so that the hawkers cannot escape action.
According to sources, nowadays hawkers appoint people to alert them about anti-encroachment drives much before civic officials plan to carry them out. Hence, this helps them to hide their goods and dodge action. On the other hand, citizens and activists often complain that lower ranking officials of the ward inform them about the drives much in advance.
Confirming his decision to conduct surprise checks, Rathore said, "Many a times, even after the civic body removes the hawkers from a certain area, they manage to return and start their businesses again. They appoint people, who alert them about the drives. Last week, along with the civic team, I conducted the surprise checks at certain places and it was a success. Most of the hawkers were caught unawares." He further said, "The team comprises of six officials, mainly from the licence and encroachment departments. We also take a truck and JCB machine along with us." Sources said that till now, action has been taken at the Seven Bungalows, Juhu-Versova Link Road and SVP Nagar areas.
Speaking to mid-day, Prashant Gaikwad, assistant municipal commissioner of K-West (Andheri) ward, said, "Those appointed by hawkers keep a close watch on the movement of ward officials and encroachment removal squads. They follow their vehicles and inform the hawkers much in advance. Rathore wanted to conduct surprise checks, hence we provided him with vehicles and staff."
Cracking the whip on illegal hawkers in Mumbai, the Bombay High Court on November 2017, restricted hawking to designated zones only while banning the activity on foot and rail overbridges and within 150 metres of railway stations.
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