BMC Crackdown Leaves Chembur Station Hawkers Struggling

Despite legal protections and payments to officials, around 700 hawkers near Chembur railway station in Mumbai have been absent for over a month.

Hawkers Face Financial Hardships Amid Evictions

The absence of hawkers, who have been conducting business for decades, has created financial hardships for them. Unable to repay loans taken under the PM SVANidhi scheme, they struggle to make ends meet.

Legal Battles and Alleged Harassment

Many hawkers claim legal protection, citing Supreme Court and Bombay High Court orders. Despite their efforts and documentation, they face continuous harassment and eviction.

Conflicting Policies and Court Orders

The BMC justifies its actions based on a 2017 Bombay High Court order to keep areas around railway stations free from hawkers. This conflicts with the legal protections and letters from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs aimed at ending harassment of street vendors.