Need to put an end to illegal hawkers issue

Scene on N G Acharya Marg before the confrontation

A report highlighted an incident in Chembur where hawkers and shop owners had an altercation. The latter accused the former of rendering their shops invisible as well as flouting the rule prohibiting hawking within 150 metres of railway stations, among others.

While this was an isolated incident, the report touched upon an overarching problem - shops vs hawkers - that is cause for concern across the city. This paper has reported incidents in the past too, especially on the Colaba Causeway where fights have erupted between shop owners and hawkers over a number of issues.

There is an urgent need for a solution. One will surely have a riot-like situation if illegalities - such as unlicensed hawkers, vendors taking over much more space from demarcated zones and large-scale encroachment - are not tackled.

The problem has now reached heights and like a boiling pot, there is bound to be a dangerous spillover.

The police and civic authorities, including local leaders, have to work in tandem to enforce rules. Stay within designated areas. Respect no-hawking zone signs. Only licensed hawkers can ply their trade.

Hawkers cannot ‘sub-let' (yes, even this is happening in a city where every inch is a yard) spaces to other vendors. Do not obscure storefronts or block surveillance cameras. Do not store goods in front of entrances and exits of buildings, hindering getaways in case of an emergency.

These laws have to be enforced by the authorities, who cannot be satisfied by action for one day and a boomerang effect where things go back to square one once the heat is off.

We would not be alarmists, but simply realists when we say that confrontations can spiral into dangerous events very soon. Absolute, non-negotiable action, and winning back the trust of shop owners and general citizenry is all important.