The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has established special squads to tackle encroachments on footpaths, with a primary focus on removing illegal hawkers. This initiative aims to enhance safety for pedestrians across the city. According to civic data, there are approximately 20,000 authorized hawkers in civic areas, while the number of illegal roadside vendors is significantly higher.
Implementation and Expansion of Squads
The administration initiated the process of setting up these squads at the Kasba Peth and Vishrambaug ward office in the last week and has since expanded to other areas. Each squad is equipped with cameras and dedicated vehicles to monitor and enforce regulations effectively.
Public Concerns and Reactions
Residents have expressed concerns about walking on roads, particularly in popular marketplaces such as FC Road, JM Road, and the peth areas. Rucha Joshi, a regular visitor to FC Road, stated, "Walking on the roads, especially at popular market places like FC Road, JM Road and peth areas, is tough. The civic officials should find a permanent solution to deal with this problem. These hawkers are not only causing problems to pedestrians but also cause traffic jams."
Vijay Kumbhar, of Surajya Sangharsh Samiti, a citizens group, criticized the efforts, saying, "The action against hawkers seems an eyewash. Many local political leaders and their followers support the illegal hawkers. It is leading to an increase in unauthorised hawking. The drive is temporary and hawkers come up at the same locations."
Review of Trade Permits and Licenses
The PMC is currently reviewing traders and their work permits. Plans are underway to issue trade licenses to roadside vendors from the 34 merged villages. The process for allotting permits in 11 merged villages has already commenced, with documents and other formalities being verified. The civic body is coordinating with the former gram panchayats and district administration for this purpose.
Establishment of Hawker Zones
To accommodate all vendors, the PMC needs to establish 288 hawker zones. If hawkers from merged villages are included, they will either be integrated into existing zones or new zones will be created. City engineer Aniruddha Pawaskar stated, "The administration is taking strict steps for the removal of these hawkers. The help of the police department will also be taken."
