A year after KMC-KP op, hawkers have upper hand, footpath space
Times of India | 24 June 2025
123456 Kolkata: A year after Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and Kolkata Police launched a city-wide crackdown on illegal encroachments by hawkers following a reprimand from chief minister Mamata Banerjee, pavements and parts of major carriageways across the city have been usurped once again.Last year's enforcement drive in areas like Canning Street, Burrabazar, College Street, New Market, Hatibagan, and Gariahat, made pavements accessible to pedestrians and eased traffic. Hawkers were directed to reduce the size of their stalls, illegal structures were dismantled, and several stretches were cleared of unauthorised parking. The situation, however, has gradually returned to its pre-crackdown state, with hawkers reclaiming pavement space and, in many cases, extending further into roads. Local residents and commuters said lack of enforcement has emboldened encroachers."At first, we complied when officials asked us to reduce the size of our stalls. But once the vigil beca-me less frequent, we grad-ually moved back. Nobody has stopped us since then." said Swapan Das, a hawker who sells suit pieces near Hatibagan. Hatibagan saw a significant clearing of pavements and roads last year. Today, not only have pavements been reclaimed, but a significant portion of the carriageway is also occupied, leaving little space for vehicles.The situation is worse in parts of Canning Street and Brabourne Road, where pedestrians and vehicles now compete for limited space. At the Canning Street-Brabourne Road crossing, two biryani stalls have installed roadside seating for customers. "People waiting for buses or taxis are often forced to stand dangerously close to moving vehicles," said a commuter.At India Exchange Place near Poddar Court area, traders dealing in electrical fittings have resumed the practice of stacking goods on pavements, obstructing movement of pedestrians. Similar scenes are visible across commercial zones, with hawkers using pavements as storage and display areas."There is always a risk while walking here. The pavements are blocked by stalls, and the roads have vehicles parked illegally. You never know when a bus or a bike might hit you," said Sakina Ali, a salesperson at a mobile store on RN Mukherjee Road. At New Market, the situation turned tense during last year's drive when hawkers clashed with local traders over relocation efforts. Officials have admitted that attempts to reimpose restrictions have often met with resistance."In the last year, we've seen a rise in the number of hawkers operating in areas like Lindsay Street, Bertram Street, and SN Banerjee Road," said an officer. Civic officials acknowledged that without sustained enforcement and a proper relocation plan, short-term crackdowns will not yield results.