Residents irked as Pune Municipal Corporation’s drive against hawkers on roadsides and footpaths loses steam

Pune: Return of illegal hawkers to occupy roadsides and footpaths just days after Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has carried out an eviction drive has annoyed shoppers visiting market areas across the city. They have blamed the absence of sustained action and periodical inspections by the civic administration for the rising menace that is obstructing pedestrians' movement and holding up traffic every day.
Vikas Thakar, who recently came to Fergusson College Road with his family, said there was hardly any space left to walk. A similar situation was faced by Mahesh Tambe, a regular visitor to Shivaji Road and Mandai, who said the footfall in the core areas like Shaniwarwada and Mandai has gone up because of holidays. "The presence of vendors has increased proportionately, hampering overall commute."
PMC began anti-encroachment exercises on key roads against unauthorised stalls and hawkers after Pune MP Muralidhar Mohol earlier this year issued a stern instruction to the civic body in this regard. However, the frequency of such actions has reduced considerably in the last few days.
"The focus is on vulnerable spots. Drives are being held jointly by the anti-encroachment department and the building permission department where our squads pull down illegal structures or sheds obstructing the footpaths. Action are taken in Fergusson College Road, JM Road on weekends," a PMC official, who did not wish to be named, said.
Bajirao Road resident Ajay Belkar claimed that PMC has no concrete mechanism. "Hawkers come back to the same spots within a couple of days. We therefore demand designated locations for them."
The issue has been raised repeatedly at the local ward office meetings but there has been no solution, said Vimal Joshi, a resident of Baner Road. "PMC should install boards to alert illegal vendors."
On Tuesday, Mohol said he will soon hold a meeting to take feedback from civic authorities. Kasba Peth MLA Hemant Rasne said he has already directed the civic administration to keep roads free for pedestrians and vehicles. "I have been taking steps to improve the overall commute in central areas which are part of my constituency. Action against unauthorised hawkers has been a priority besides the removal of illegal banners," Rasne said.