Illegal Hawkers Return to Borivli’s Bhaji Market Gully Amidst Lack of Coordination Between BMC and Police

Borivli, Mumbai

Illegal hawkers have been observed surreptitiously returning to Borivli's Court Lane, also known as Bhaji Market Gully, days after being evicted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The issue has raised alarms among local residents who have expressed concerns over the apparent lack of coordination between the civic authorities and the Mumbai police.

A three-day spot check revealed that while BMC vehicles clear the area during the day, hawkers reoccupy the space after the vehicles leave around 7:30 pm. Despite BMC’s efforts, the makeshift market thrives during the evening hours when civic teams are absent.

Residents and shopkeepers have raised questions about the effectiveness of the measures and the failure of police to patrol the area during these critical hours.

Sandhya Nandedkar, assistant municipal commissioner of R Central ward, confirmed that the BMC had formally requested police assistance for patrolling after BMC teams depart. However, local residents remain frustrated as the problem persists.

Borivli police officials explained that staff shortages due to bandobast duties for the swearing-in ceremony and Mahaparinirvan Diwas had hindered their ability to patrol the area. They assured that patrolling would resume after these events.

Local residents have expressed concerns that the lack of joint action between BMC and police is making the enforcement of rules ineffective, with hawkers reclaiming the road each evening.