BMC begins removal of illegal hawkers, encroachments from 320 km of Mumbai footpaths as part of 'Pedestrian First' campaign

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC on Monday launched an ambitious Pedestrian First campaign to make Mumbais footpaths obstructionfree and pedestrianfriendlyAccording to an official statement as part of the first phase the civic body will remove encroachments from 320 kilometres of footpaths with Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide directing officials to crack down immediately on illegal hawkers encroachments and other obstacles across the cityChairing a review meeting of various civic departments Bhide stressed that pedestrian safety must be treated as the highest priority noting that nearly 50 per cent of Mumbais daily travel is undertaken on foot Along with clearing encroachments the BMC will also undertake the improvement beautification and strengthening of footpathsDaily inspections strict monitoring orderedThe Mumbai civic chief directed all Ward Assistant Commissioners to carry out daily physical inspections of footpaths and oversee antiencroachment drives in their respective wards the statement saidDeputy Commissioners have been asked to conduct weekly zonal reviews and submit reports to the Additional Municipal Commissioners who will review progress every 15 daysTo ensure accountability officials must submit daily Before and After photographs documenting antiencroachment action Bhide warned that negligence delays or laxity in implementing the campaign would not be tolerated and that officials failing to comply with the directives would face strict disciplinary actionEncroachments near schools stations hospitals to be clearedEmphasising that keeping footpaths free of encroachments is a continuous administrative responsibility and not merely a campaign Bhide highlighted that construction debris abandoned vehicles garbage uneven surfaces and other obstructions pose serious risks to pedestriansShe instructed officials to prioritise the removal of encroachments from footpaths near schools hospitals railway stations metro stations bus depots marketplaces and other highfootfall public areas ensuring they are safe and accessible for pedestriansIllegal hoardings ramps and outwardopening doors to be removedThe BMC has also ordered the immediate removal of illegal advertisement boards hoardings noncompliant ramps outwardopening building doors and other physical obstructions occupying footpathsOfficials have additionally been directed to ensure that licensed vendors operate strictly within their designated spaces and do not store goods or place stalls and signboards beyond the areas allotted to themNew footpaths to use M40 concrete onlyThe Commissioner has instructed civic officials to remove uneven or unauthorised ramps ensure that building entrances open inward within property limits and scientifically prune tree branches obstructing footpathsShe further directed that all new footpaths be built only as per approved standards using M40 grade concrete while paver blocks and stamped concrete have been prohibited Any gaps uneven levels or other physical obstacles on footpaths must also be eliminated to improve pedestrian safetyBMC expects safer roads smoother trafficAccording to the civic body making footpaths encroachmentfree and walkable will benefit students senior citizens persons with disabilities and the general public The initiative is expected to improve pedestrian safety reduce road accidents encourage walking improve traffic flow ease congestion and contribute to better air quality and public healthBhide has directed all departments to prepare a prioritywise list of footpaths and ensure continuous monitoring to prevent fresh encroachmentsShe reiterated that any official found neglecting their duties or allowing footpath obstructions to reappear would face strict action