Tensions Escalate As CSMC Cracks Down On Hawkers In Fierce Street Showdown

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has taken a strict stand against roadside hawkers. However, considering the month of Ramzan, traders have strongly opposed the corporation’s stance. CSMC implemented a drive to remove handcarts from the roads continuously on the third day of the drive, which took place on Wednesday.

On Thursday, a huge dispute erupted between the anti-encroachment squad of the corporation and the hawkers in various parts of the city, including Shahgunj and the Railway Station area. This led to a tense situation for a while. However, the Nagari Mitra Pathak employees took a firm stand, and the dispute was resolved.

The corporation had received several complaints regarding traffic jams caused by hawkers’ handcarts blocking city roads. Administrator G. Srikant took a firm stand and directed the officers to initiate a drive against the handcarts parked illegally in no-hawker zones. The drive began on Monday and continued for three days. On Monday, action was taken against 85 hawkers, and more than 25 hawkers were penalized on Tuesday. CSMC continued the drive at major locations in the city on Wednesday.

People blame CSMC officers

Meanwhile, there have been discussions suggesting that some officers and employees of CSMC had been patronizing the hawkers, which led to the hawkers’ disregard for action from the corporation. To address this, the administration has kept such officers and employees away from the drive, and some contractual employees have been dismissed.

The handcarts are obstructing traffic on various roads in the city, and residents have complained that corporation buses cannot operate on these roads. Action has been taken against hawkers in Shahgunj, Railway Station area, Bansilalnagar, Gulmandi, and other locations. The drive will continue in a similar manner, sources said.