Mumbai Footpaths Cleared as BMC Intensifies Anti-Encroachment Drive; Commissioner Conducts Surprise Inspection in Dadar

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, February 24, 2026

Mumbai: In a renewed push to restore pedestrian rights and ease chronic traffic congestion, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its drive against unauthorised hawkers and illegal encroachments across the city. As part of the ongoing enforcement action, Bhushan Gagrani, Commissioner of the BMC, conducted a surprise inspection in Dadar and surrounding areas on Monday.

The inspection covered multiple civic jurisdictions, including F South Ward, F North Ward and G North Ward, which have historically faced heavy congestion due to illegal hawking and encroachments on footpaths and roads.

On-Ground Review of Enforcement

During the surprise visit, Commissioner Gagrani personally reviewed the progress of eviction operations and inspected several previously congested stretches. Civic officials briefed him on recent actions undertaken to remove unauthorised stalls, roadside vendors and temporary structures that had been obstructing pedestrian movement and vehicular traffic.

The Commissioner also interacted directly with local residents, shopkeepers and traders. Many citizens welcomed the crackdown, noting that cleared footpaths have significantly improved walkability and reduced traffic snarls in the area. Pedestrians, especially senior citizens and schoolchildren, expressed relief at being able to walk safely without being forced onto busy roads.

Some traders, while acknowledging the importance of maintaining public order, raised concerns regarding long-term policy clarity and possible rehabilitation mechanisms for affected hawkers.

Restoring Civic Discipline

Senior civic officials reiterated that the drive is being conducted strictly in line with court directives and is aimed at restoring civic discipline rather than penalising livelihoods. The focus, they said, is on ensuring unobstructed footpaths, smoother traffic flow and the protection of public spaces meant for common use.

Commissioner Gagrani appealed to citizens to cooperate with the civic administration and support lawful measures to keep public spaces free from encroachments. He stressed that strict action against illegal constructions and unauthorised hawking would continue across Mumbai wherever violations are found.

Senior Officials Accompany Commissioner

Deputy Municipal Commissioners Prashant Sapkale and Vinayak Vispute, along with assistant commissioners, engineers and ward-level officers, accompanied the Commissioner during the inspection. Officials confirmed that follow-up inspections will be conducted to ensure that cleared areas remain free from re-encroachment.

The renewed enforcement drive signals the BMC’s intent to sustain momentum in reclaiming public spaces, even as it seeks to balance the concerns of small traders with the larger public interest in one of India’s most densely populated metropolitan cities.