Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Colaba Residents Give BMC Ultimatum to Clear Hawkers from Causeway
People who live in Colaba, a neighborhood in Mumbai, are upset because too many street vendors have set up stalls on a popular shopping street called Colaba Causeway.
These stalls are blocking the sidewalks, making it hard for people to walk and even unsafe.
Residents have complained before, but nothing has changed.
Now, they've given the city's building department one week to clean up the mess.
If the city doesn't do anything, the residents plan to protest by setting up their own stalls outside the city office to get attention.
They want the sidewalks to be clear and safe for everyone to use again.
Colaba residents have given the BMC a one-week ultimatum to remove illegal hawkers from Colaba Causeway.
Residents cite that over 50% of stalls are illegal and encroachments make footpaths non-walkable and unsafe.
A letter was sent to the BMC's A Ward office on October 31st, led by former corporator Makarand Narwekar.
Residents warn of a protest outside the A Ward office if no action is taken within the deadline.
Concerns include safety issues, harassment, and pedestrians being forced to walk on the road due to blocked footpaths.
- Who
- Colaba residents, led by former corporator Makarand Narwekar
- What
- Issued a one-week ultimatum to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to clear illegal hawker stalls and encroachments from Colaba Causeway.
- When
- October 31st (date of letter), with a one-week ultimatum for action.
- Where
- Colaba Causeway, Mumbai
- Why
- Illegal stalls and encroachments have made footpaths non-walkable and unsafe, leading to safety concerns and harassment complaints.
Residents' Demands
Current Situation/Implicit BMC Stance
Sidewalk Accessibility
Residents' Demands
Footpaths must be clear and walkable for pedestrians.
Current Situation/Implicit BMC Stance
Footpaths are occupied by more than 50% illegal hawker stalls, forcing pedestrians onto the road.
Legality of Stalls
Residents' Demands
The BMC must take strict action against all illegal stalls and encroachments.
Current Situation/Implicit BMC Stance
Despite court orders and repeated complaints, the BMC has failed to address the hawker menace effectively.
Resident Safety and Harassment
Residents' Demands
Residents demand a safe environment free from rowdiness and harassment by vendors.
Current Situation/Implicit BMC Stance
Residents have reported incidents of harassment, including being followed by vendors after questioning them.
- Location
- Colaba Causeway, Mumbai
- Issuing Authority
- Colaba Residents Group
- Recipient Authority
- BMC A Ward Office
- Deadline
- One week from October 31st
- Complaint Basis
- Illegal stalls and encroachments making footpaths non-walkable and unsafe