Our Forum has been active in civic issues since the last five years and as a result our Link Road has been largely free of Hawkers who sit and sell their wares.
We noticed a flower vendor for the first time somewhere around Diwali November 2013 just outside the gate of Bhakti Complex. Initially he used to tie a string between two light poles and hand some garlands. We thought that since it is a festive season he must be temporary.
But to our surprise, in January 2014 we noticed that he has added to his stock, bouquets and other flowers, and has spread a mat occupying around 40 square feet of prime footpath, which is located on the Link Road opposite DMart mall.
Dr. Mathew called the Chairman of the concerned Society and they both went and met the hawker on the 8th of January 2014 and requested him to move out in two days.
Figure 1 Over 40 square foot encroached by illegal vendor
Today the 12th of January, 2014, we had the AGM of our Forum, and the hawking problem was also discussed. We found that the BMC is in the process of surveying present hawkers. The Supreme Court has categorically stated that no one can hawk in any open space, or road.
At 530 PM Dr. Mathew, David and Harish Pandey went to the hawker, and we requested him to remove his wares and stop vending from the street.
Figure 2 Forum members asking hawker to remove his wares
Figure 3 Success! Road recaptured from illegal vendor outside Bhakti Complex
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Vigilance and citizen activism can play a big role in keeping our area free of encroachments. Hope you will also take care, dear reader, of the places around your home and keep them free of encroachments.
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