BMC Cracks Down on Colaba Hawkers After BJP Complaint, 67 Illegal Stalls Removed; Hawkers Call the Action “Unjust”
- MimTimes मिम टाइम्स م ٹائمز
- Nov 5
- 1 min read
5 November 2025
Mumbai (MimTimes) Following a complaint lodged by former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar and a one-week ultimatum given by Colaba residents to the civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a major crackdown on illegal hawkers at Colaba Causeway.
On Tuesday, November 4, the BMC’s A-Ward conducted a large-scale anti-encroachment drive in the area, during which a total of 67 illegal stalls were removed. The operation was aimed at clearing unauthorized structures and restoring civic order along one of South Mumbai’s busiest shopping streets.
The action, carried out under the supervision of Additional Municipal Commissioner (City) Dr. Ashwini Joshi and led by Deputy Commissioner Chanda Jadhav and A-Ward Assistant Commissioner Jaydeep More, targeted hawkers who had illegally occupied footpaths and road space, causing serious inconvenience to pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
Hawkers, however, condemned the move, calling it a “cruel and unjust action.” They alleged that the civic authorities evicted them without providing any alternative space for their livelihood.
Last week, Colaba residents had submitted a letter to the BMC demanding the removal of illegal encroachments and warning that they would stage a symbolic protest outside the A-Ward office if action was not taken within a week.
Residents have now welcomed the BMC’s move, expressing hope that the action will not be a one-time measure but part of a sustained effort to keep Colaba Causeway clean, organized, and safe for pedestrians once again.
