Licensed hawkers may use footpaths but not block them

BMC commissioner Ashwini Bhide on Monday said licensed hawkers can use footpaths for business, provided they do not obstruct pedestrian movement. She spoke after visiting parts of south Mumbai during the civic body's 'Pedestrian First' campaign, where she checked licences and directed the licensing department to act against violators.

Bhide's statement comes days after corporators from across parties criticised the BMC's anti-encroachment drive against licensed hawkers with QR-coded ID cards. Civic officers denied that the directives followed political pressure, insisting action was always against unauthorised hawkers and those encroaching beyond their allotted space.

Residents welcomed the campaign. Dhaval Shah of Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Forum said it should be handed to the central flying squad to prevent tip-offs. Chembur resident Kala Suresh urged its extension to all wards. Of 99,435 registered street vendors, 57,697 have been issued QR-coded IDs, 3,950 have died and 37,788 could not be contacted.