The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has removed 2,803 encroachments and hawkers from 399 footpaths across Mumbai under its ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign, covering roads stretching approximately 500 km, the civic body said on Saturday. The drive has been conducted across all 26 administrative wards, with priority given to areas around hospitals, schools, colleges, railway stations, bus stations and other public places.
The action was reviewed at a meeting held at the BMC’s Command and Control Centre in Worli. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directed officials to ensure that the cleared footpaths remain permanently available, safe and accessible to pedestrians. She said the campaign must go beyond temporary removals and that shops, stalls and construction or other materials placed in ways that obstruct pedestrian movement would not be tolerated.
The campaign has been launched under the BMC’s accessible footpath policy. Along with removing encroachments, it covers widening footpaths where required, repairing damaged stretches and maintaining cleanliness in the areas around them. The civic body said the objective is to improve pedestrian safety and allow people to walk without obstruction.
Bhide also directed officials to take action against unauthorised parking of two-wheelers on footpaths in coordination with the traffic police. Where land has already been reserved for public parking, officials have been asked to develop it for public use. Parking spaces are to be marked after considering footpath width and pedestrian safety, with designated parking bays to be created wherever suitable space is available.
The BMC will inspect unauthorised ramps constructed by some housing societies by modifying footpaths to allow vehicles to enter and leave their premises. Officials have been instructed to issue notices and take action where required, including removing such ramps and restoring the original footpath design.
The civic body will also verify the original area occupied by authorised shops and stalls before any relocation or rehabilitation. Officials have been told to check official records and approved permissions so that rehabilitation remains within the permitted limits and does not result in unauthorised expansion.
After encroachments are removed, municipal officials have been directed to repair the affected footpaths promptly and ensure that they are clean, safe and in good condition. Any beautification work is to follow a consistent design and maintain clear pedestrian access. The commissioner also ordered action against garages using footpaths to park or repair vehicles, as well as against those using footpaths or roadside spaces for the unlawful buying and selling of vehicles.
The BMC said the ‘Pedestrian First’ campaign would continue across Mumbai, with enforcement, repairs, parking management and inspections forming part of the civic body’s effort to keep footpaths accessible.
