Following the stampede on September 29, at Elphinstone Road railway FOB, which witnessed death of twenty two and injuries to thirty nine innocent commuters, MaNaSe in Mumbai is spearheading relentless agitation against the illegal hawkers. According to these leaders, the tragedy was avoidable, had action been taken against these illegal hawkers. They gave representation to Corporation and Railway authorities to initiate necessary action. The Corporation took some feeble action, which did not satisfy these leaders, as the problem is persisting.
On the other hand, Congress party led by Mr. Nirupam, have opposed the removal of these hawkers tooth and nail. He contends, these hawkers have migrated from far off regions to earn livelihood and it is their right to do so. Anyone opposing their continuation shall be fought with by all means. He has warned the agitation would spread if any attempt is made either by authorities or by MaNaSe to disturb the status co.
Before this agitation started, it may be recalled, the Commissioner, Thane Corporation had warned the hawkers near Thane Railway Station to remove them. Failing to elicit any positive response, he along with his Deputy Commissioner reached the spot personally, and evicted a few of them. In the process, he was manhandled and there was apprehension, like his Deputy, even he would have been assaulted requiring hospitalization. Without fearing for their safety, these officers continued in their legal official work assisted by police.
Hon. Supreme Court has repeatedly underlined the need to keep approaches of railway stations; bus stands clear from any hawkers, particularly persons who run open kitchens. It is not only unhygienic but also fire hazard. But this directive is observed only in breach and all railway stations, bus stands are choked and vehicles as well as commuters have to struggle to enter or exit. I recall, the legal shop owners took out a morcha and approached me as CP to remove the hawkers as even their customers were not able to enter their shops. There are number of roads as well as footpaths which have been completely occupied by these hawkers and barely one vehicle can pass on eighty feet road. The spread of these hawkers is so swift that not only cities and towns are suffering from their encroachments, but even on Mumbai Pune Express way, places near toll naka are under their control.
Government of India has formulated a scheme of declaring certain places where hawkers’ plaza can be constructed. It is envisaged, remaining places are declared as no hawking and immediate action is taken to remove those who are in breach. Free movement on roads has been declared as a fundamental right of the commuters and those who violate the same need to be brought to book. Even many hawkers have been noticed using tempos and cars on Marine Lines to sell hot and cold beverages to morning walkers.
Without considering it as a religious or parochial issue of Maharashtrians versus persons from other States, or without giving it a color of political parties supporting one against other, it is necessary that existing rules have to be followed and authorities from Corporation, railways and Police have to be permitted to work fearlessly in the interest of common man and his free movement. The Courts also need to support their efforts. Else disasters like Elphinstone would continue to recur.
Political parties have every right to pressurize the concerned authorities to ensure prompt action to ensure that the roads remain free. If at certain places, authorities have willingly or unwillingly not taken prompt action, political party workers should certainly bring it to the notice of concerned and their superiors. The concerned officials also must display sensitivity to these issues and not pretend that removal may invite agitation. Their sincerity would speak through their action as was the case of Mr. Khairnar who was appreciated by one and all. Failure of civic authorities is making political party workers desperate and is avoidable.
