Kandivli Housing Society Hires Bouncers to Keep Footpaths Free from Hawkers
Kandivli Housing Society Hires Bouncers to Keep Footpaths Free from Hawkers
Frustrated Residents of Panchsheel Heights Take Action After BMC Inaction
Mumbai – In a bold move highlighting growing urban frustration, residents of Panchsheel Heights in Mahavir Nagar, Kandivli West, have hired bouncers to remove hawkers from footpaths near their building. The drastic step follows repeated complaints to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which residents claim have yielded no lasting results.
The 20-year-old housing society, comprising over 300 flats and home to nearly 1,000 residents, has been battling footpath encroachment since the pandemic. Despite lodging numerous complaints, residents say hawkers briefly vacate when BMC enforcement teams arrive but return within minutes after the vehicles leave as reported by Mid-day.
Daily Struggles Prompt Strong Action
With both footpaths adjacent to the society perpetually blocked, residents say they face daily inconvenience while heading to work, school, or markets. “We have hired bouncers for at least 15 days to ensure that the footpaths remain clear. If needed, we’ll continue this until we see lasting change,” said society chairman Sachin Sardesai. “This is not our preferred solution, but we’re helpless due to BMC’s inaction.”
According to society secretary Indukumar Amin, the society is shelling out Rs 10,000 per day to employ 10 to 12 bouncers—including women guards—through a private security agency. The bouncers are stationed along the footpaths from 7 am to 9 pm daily.
“The financial burden is significant, but we’re left with no other option,” Amin stated. “The issue isn’t limited to us—encroachments have taken over Mumbai’s footpaths. Reclaiming them feels like a distant dream.”
Congestion, School Safety Also a Concern
Residents also highlighted that a BMC-run pay-and-park facility on the adjacent road contributes to traffic congestion, making pedestrian access even more dangerous—especially for parents dropping their children at a nearby school.
“Parents are forced to walk on the road due to blocked footpaths, worsening the traffic chaos. It’s a safety hazard every morning and evening,” Amin added.
Two days ago, the society escalated the issue to local BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar, who reportedly intervened and helped remove a few hawkers in coordination with BMC’s R South ward.
BMC Responds
R South ward’s Assistant Municipal Commissioner Manish Salve refuted allegations of inaction. “We regularly conduct anti-hawker drives upon receiving complaints. I am not aware of the society hiring bouncers—that’s their internal decision. However, our team has recently acted to remove hawkers from the area,” he said.
