Pune: The state govt on Saturday announced in the assembly that ward officers would face strict action for hawkers’ encroachments on footpaths in their jurisdiction, admitting that illegal vendors were causing traffic jams on the city’s arterial roads. The govt’s stand against illegal hawkers came after some MLAs from Pune raised the issue in the House on Saturday.The MLAs said illegal hawkers’ encroachment on footpaths was not only elbowing out pedestrians from pavements, but also causing problems to vehicular traffic. Raising the issue in the assembly, NCP (SP) MLA Bapu Pathare said, “The encroachment on footpaths along majority of the streets is rampant in Pune. With no space to walk on footpaths, pedestrians are compelled to walk on roads, leading to traffic congestions.”The MLAs pointed out that the hawkers’ policy was not being implemented properly. The elected representatives also complained that some officials of Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) were hand-in-glove with illegal hawkers and so the latter were not being evicted.BJP MLA Bhimrao Tapkir said, “It is quite shocking that a section of PMC officials are unperturbed over hawkers’ encroachment on footpaths along the main roads. Thy even ignore complaints of elected representatives. In some cases, action is taken only to pacify the complainant. Within a few days, hawkers return to the same spots.”Responding to the issues on behalf of the govt, cabinet minister Shambhuraj Desai said, “The civic body has issued licences to some hawkers and they have been given designated places to operate. Yet, some of them continue to encroach on footpaths and create problems.”Desai said, “Instructions would be passed on to the PMC commissioner immediately to start a special drive and ensure that all roads are free of hawkers’ encroachment. All ward officers will be given a final warning. Henceforth, the officers concerned will face action if any encroachment is found in their respective jurisdiction.” Residents said the govt’s announcement should not remain on paper and its execution should be visible on Pune’s roads. Anuja Bhide from Kothrud said, “We have been witnessing anti-encroachment squads visiting footpaths regularly. Till the time the officials are present, hawkers do not operate. The latter return to footpaths after the officials leave. There should be permanent action now.”Vedant Parule from Baner said, “Residents of Pune will not believe in any announcement unless its effects are visible on the ground. The civic body will start taking action against illegal activities only if some officials face strict govt action.”
