Kalyan-Dombivli Civic Chief Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Hawkers After Staff Assault
In a decisive move, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) Commissioner Abhinav Goel has escalated action against illegal vendors, launching a special 'pedestrian-friendly city' campaign across multiple wards. This crackdown follows days of heightened tension after a civic staffer was allegedly assaulted during an anti-encroachment drive, and the hawkers' issue was prominently raised in the general body meeting.
Coordinated Drives Target Unauthorized Vendors
Acting on Commissioner Goel's directives, coordinated drives were executed on April 21 across Wards D (5), F (6), and G (8). The operations specifically targeted unauthorized hawkers, handcarts, and roadside stalls that were obstructing footpaths and roads, impeding pedestrian movement and causing traffic congestion.
The urgency of these actions stems from strong criticism voiced by corporators during Monday's general body meeting. Members across party lines accused the civic body of failing to act decisively against illegal hawkers, with the issue gaining further momentum after a municipal staffer was allegedly assaulted by hawkers during a drive near Pendharkar College to Gharda Circle in Dombivli.
Detailed Action Across Wards
In Ward D, civic teams, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Umesh Yamgar, carried out operations in areas including Khadegolavali and Katemanivali. Using JCB machines, they seized 32 handcarts, removed 17 stalls, and dismantled nine iron structures.
Simultaneously, in Dombivli East, encroachments were cleared along Station Road up to Icon Hospital on Manpada Road. Officials removed 14 stalls, seized 16 handcarts, dismantled 35 temporary sheds, and cleared multiple counters. Additionally, around 60 banners were taken down, and equipment from unauthorized shops—such as weighing scales from chicken vendors—was confiscated. Three illegal shop units constructed in a passage of a local store were sealed.
The action in Wards F and G was led by Assistant Commissioners Prasad Thakur and Bharat Pawar, with support from local police and civic staff, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the crackdown.
Criticism and Legal Concerns
Despite the aggressive drive, the selective nature of the crackdown has drawn criticism from several corporators. They pointed out that key areas, including Kalyan station's western side—from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk to the assistant commissioner of police's office—as well as parts of Kalyan East, Ambivli, Titwala, and Thakurli, remain untouched.
NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) functionary Bhalchandra Patil questioned the legality of the action, highlighting that while the Street Vendors Act was enacted in 2014, it has not been fully implemented in the KDMC area. "The civic body conducted a survey in 2024, identifying around 9,000 hawkers, but no proper rehabilitation has been done. Taking action without implementing the law raises serious concerns," he stated, demanding that the drive be halted until due process is followed.
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) corporator Namita Patil also flagged the absence of action in several areas, particularly along Katemanivali Road and Titwala, underscoring the need for a more uniform approach.
Public Response and Future Plans
On the other hand, many residents have welcomed the drive, reporting that clearing encroachments has improved accessibility and reduced congestion in several busy pockets of Kalyan-Dombivli. Civic officials emphasized that the 'pedestrian-friendly city' initiative is part of a larger effort to make roads and footpaths encroachment-free, ensuring safer pedestrian movement and easing traffic congestion.
Authorities have warned that similar drives will continue across the municipal limits, with plans to expand the initiative to other wards in the coming days. The focus remains on sustained enforcement against illegal hawking, balancing public safety with legal compliance.
