MUMBAI: Residents of several high-rise residential complexes in Sewri have announced a silent march this weekend to protest what they describe as years of civic apathy and unchecked illegal activity in the area. The protest focuses on unauthorised hawking, encroached footpaths, illegal parking and persistent noise pollution—issues residents say have made daily life increasingly unsafe and unliveable. The agitation follows repeated complaints to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), police and elected representatives. Residents allege that enforcement has been sporadic and largely cosmetic. Locals claim the situation has worsened to the point that confrontations between residents and hawkers have begun. Residents of Dosti Flamingo, a large housing complex with around 2,500 residents across multiple towers, say they have been most affected. Rajendra Ghag, secretary of the society, said the problems have continued for nearly a decade despite repeated follow-ups. “For the past 10 years, we have raised complaints. There is no proper footpath, roads are taken over by hawkers, and unauthorised parking leaves no space even to walk. On top of this, loudspeakers blare throughout the year at the BMC ground during kabaddi matches, cricket tournaments and community events. It has become impossible to live peacefully,” Ghag said. He added that the issues affect at least 15,000 people living in eight to ten high-rise buildings, including Ashoka Gardens, Celestia Spaces, Lodha Aria, Rishabh Garden, Crimpton Tower and Girnar Tower. Residents also flagged the unauthorised Ram Tekdi fish market and hawker clusters near Sewri market and along T J Road, alleging that these operate with local political patronage. “There is a perception that high-rise residents do not face civic problems. This protest is meant to break that myth,” Ghag said. Another resident, Minitha Saxena, said temporary action was not a solution. “Hawkers are removed for a few days and then return. We do not want token action. Either relocate them to a suitable place or enforce the law consistently,” she said. Saarthi Mukherjee, a local resident, said pedestrian safety had been severely compromised. “It has become impossible to walk on this road. Vehicles are forced to brush past pedestrians. Children cannot cross safely,” he said, adding, “We are peace-loving, tax-paying citizens. Hundreds of voters here have been deprived of basic civic rights.” Residents said they have submitted memorandums and met candidates across party lines, but enforcement has remained inconsistent. The silent march, scheduled for February 14, will be conducted in accordance with police guidelines. Ghag said that if authorities take firm and permanent action before then, residents are willing to publicly felicitate officials from the BMC, police and RTO as a gesture of appreciation. “This is not political. This is about basic civic order. Enough is enough,” he said.
