Archive · 8 Jun 2025
BMC Struggles to Clear Mumbai Footpaths as Hawkers Return
Imagine the sidewalk outside a train station.
People are selling flowers there, but the city (BMC) says they can't.
The city tries to remove the flower sellers, but they keep coming back!
The sellers have support, and it's hard for the city to keep them away.
Some people think the sellers are causing problems, while others say they have a right to be there.
The BMC is repeatedly failing to keep footpaths clear of hawkers near Matunga station.
Flower stalls, despite BMC efforts, quickly return after demolition.
Residents allege hawkers are rowdy and create nuisance.
BJP MLA Tamil Selvan supports the flower stall owners, stating they are licensed.
Some stalls are licensed, but many have expanded and are unauthorized, some with illegal water connections.
- Who
- The BMC, flower stall owners, local residents, and BJP MLA Tamil Selvan.
- What
- The BMC is struggling to remove and keep cleared flower stalls and other hawkers from occupying footpaths.
- When
- BMC actions occurred in March and the week prior to the article; the stalls are quickly re-established.
- Where
- Matunga, Mumbai, specifically near Matunga Central Railway station and Bhandarkar Road.
- Why
- The BMC's efforts to remove unauthorized flower stalls are failing due to political support and hawker resilience.
BMC/Local Residents
Flower Stall Owners/BJP MLA
Stall Legitimacy/Demolition Justification
BMC/Local Residents
Hawkers are encroaching on footpaths; Illegal activities should be stopped.
Flower Stall Owners/BJP MLA
Licensed stalls should be allowed to operate; Demolition is unwarranted.
Hawker Behavior
BMC/Local Residents
Residents believe hawkers are rowdy and create nuisance.
Flower Stall Owners/BJP MLA
N/A
- Location
- Matunga, Mumbai
- Types of Hawkers
- Flower stalls, garment and vegetable stalls.
- Current Official
- Assistant Municipal Commissioner (F-North) Arun Kshirsagar.
- Political Figure Supporting Hawkers
- Tamil Selvan (BJP MLA)
- Prior Demolition Action
- 52 stalls demolished in March