KALYAN: Days after a civic staffer was allegedly assaulted during an anti-encroachment drive and the hawkers’ issue was raised in the general body meeting, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation commissioner Abhinav Goel has intensified action against illegal vendors, launching a special ‘pedestrian-friendly city’ campaign across multiple wards. Acting on the directives of municipal commissioner Abhinav Goel, coordinated drives were carried out on April 21 across Wards D (5), F (6) and G (8), targeting unauthorised hawkers, handcarts and roadside stalls obstructing footpaths and roads. The crackdown comes in the wake of strong criticism from corporators during Monday’s general body meeting, where members across party lines accused the civic body of failing to act decisively against illegal hawkers. The issue gained urgency after a municipal staffer was allegedly assaulted by hawkers during a drive near Pendharkar College to Gharda Circle in Dombivli. In Ward D, action was carried out in areas including Khadegolavali and Katemanivali. Civic teams seized 32 handcarts, removed 17 stalls and dismantled nine iron structures using JCB machines under the supervision of assistant commissioner Umesh Yamgar. 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. Around 60 banners were also taken down, while equipment from unauthorised shops—including 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. Civic officials said the drive 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. However, the selective nature of the crackdown has drawn criticism. Several corporators pointed out that key areas such as 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, pointing out 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 said, 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. Despite the criticism, many residents have welcomed the drive, saying that clearing encroachments has improved accessibility and reduced congestion in several busy pockets of Kalyan-Dombivli. Officials maintained that the ‘pedestrian-friendly city’ initiative will be expanded to other wards in the coming days, with a focus on sustained enforcement against illegal hawking.
