Sewri High-Rise Residents to Hold Silent March Against Illegal Hawking, Noise and Parking Menace

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, February 09, 2026

Mumbai:

Residents of multiple high-rise residential complexes in Mumbai’s Sewri area have announced a silent protest march this weekend, voicing strong resentment over what they describe as prolonged civic neglect and unchecked illegal activities that have severely affected their quality of life.

The protest is aimed at drawing attention to persistent issues such as unauthorised hawking, encroached footpaths, illegal roadside parking and chronic noise pollution—problems residents say have remained unresolved despite years of complaints to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), police authorities and elected representatives.

According to residents, enforcement actions by civic and law-enforcement agencies have been sporadic and largely superficial, allowing violations to resume within days. Locals claim the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that frequent confrontations between residents and hawkers have become inevitable.

Decade-Long Struggle for Civic Relief

Residents of Dosti Flamingo, a large residential complex housing nearly 2,500 people across multiple towers, say they have borne the brunt of the chaos. Rajendra Ghag, secretary of the society, said that complaints have been raised consistently for nearly a decade with little lasting impact.

“For the past ten years, we have been complaining. Footpaths are either non-existent or fully encroached, roads are occupied by hawkers and illegally parked vehicles, and even walking has become dangerous. On top of this, loudspeakers blare year-round from the BMC ground during sports tournaments and community events. Peaceful living has become impossible,” Ghag said.

He added that the issue affects over 15,000 residents living in eight to ten high-rise buildings, including Ashoka Gardens, Celestia Spaces, Lodha Aria, Rishabh Garden, Crimpton Tower and Girnar Tower.

Allegations of Political Patronage

Residents have also raised concerns over the unauthorised Ram Tekdi fish market and clusters of hawkers operating near Sewri Market and along T J Road. Locals allege that these activities continue with tacit political backing.

“There is a widespread belief that high-rise residents do not face civic problems. This march is meant to shatter that misconception,” Ghag said.

Another resident, Minitha Saxena, stressed that temporary crackdowns are ineffective.

“Hawkers are removed for a few days and then return. We don’t want cosmetic action. Either relocate them to designated zones or enforce the law consistently,” she said.

Safety at Risk, Say Residents

Pedestrian safety has emerged as a major concern. Saarthi Mukherjee, a local resident, said navigating the roads has become dangerous, especially for children and senior citizens.

“Walking here has become impossible. Vehicles are forced to squeeze past pedestrians, and children cannot cross the road safely. We are peace-loving, tax-paying citizens who feel completely ignored,” he said.

Residents claim that despite submitting multiple memorandums and meeting political representatives across party lines, civic enforcement remains inconsistent and short-lived.

Silent March on February 14

The silent march is scheduled for February 14 and will be conducted in strict compliance with police guidelines. Organisers emphasised that the protest is non-political and aimed solely at restoring civic order and public safety.

Ghag said residents are even willing to publicly felicitate officials from the BMC, police and RTO if firm and permanent action is taken before the protest date.

“This is not about politics or confrontation. This is about basic civic discipline and the right to live with dignity. Enough is enough,” he said.