Demand for Strict Action Against Hawkers in Colaba, Citizens Give BMC One-Week Ultimatum, Warn of Setting Up Stalls Outside Ward Office if No Action Taken
- MimTimes मिम टाइम्स م ٹائمز
- Nov 2
- 1 min read
2 November 2025
Mumbai (MimTimes) After the BMC’s failure to remove illegal encroachments along Colaba Causeway, local residents—led by former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar—have given the civic body a one-week ultimatum to take immediate action. Residents say that in recent months, the number of illegal stalls has increased significantly, leaving little or no safe space for pedestrians.
In a letter addressed to the A-Ward Office, a citizens’ group pointed out that nearly 50 percent of stalls on Colaba Causeway are illegal. Due to rampant encroachments, footpaths have become completely unusable and unsafe for pedestrians.
Residents have warned that if no visible action is taken within the stipulated time, they will hold a symbolic protest by setting up stalls outside the A-Ward Office to draw attention to the long-pending issue.
Colaba resident Bela Shah said, “We have given the civic administration one week from the date of receiving our letter to act against illegal structures. We appeal to the BMC to take strict and immediate action to remove all illegal stalls and encroachments, and to make the footpaths accessible to the public again.”
According to residents, the growing encroachments have turned South Mumbai’s most popular shopping street into a chaotic and hazardous zone. Pedestrians are now forced to walk on the road, as footpaths are entirely occupied by hawkers.
