In a bid to reclaim public spaces and regulate street vending, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to illegal hawkers, starting January 24, to retrieve their confiscated goods by paying the necessary removal charges. Failing compliance within the stipulated time frame, the PMC warns of auctioning off the impounded items, reinforcing a crackdown on encroachment.
PMC’s Anti-Encroachment Drive: A Recap
The PMC’s anti-encroachment department has been actively seizing goods and materials from illegal hawkers who have occupied roads and footpaths between June 2 and December 31 last year. The crackdown aims to restore order to public spaces and ensure the smooth flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Seven-Day Window for Compliance
Illegal hawkers now have a brief window of seven days to reclaim their confiscated goods by paying the stipulated removal charges. If this deadline is not met, the impounded items will be subjected to auction as per Section 438 of the Maharashtra Pune Municipal Corporation Act.
Call for Cooperation from Vendor Associations
Recognizing the importance of organized efforts, PMC officials urge relevant organizations and street vendor associations to issue clear instructions to their members regarding the retrieval process. Cooperation from these entities is seen as essential to streamline the return of goods to their rightful owners.
Storage and Counting Locations
The confiscated goods are currently stored at Balewadi, Kharadi, and Magarpatta godowns. These materials, collected from 15 ward offices, are undergoing the counting process. Residents like Anita Bhide stress the urgency of clearing the stored materials and emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring upon their return to prevent a recurrence of illegal vending.
Deputy Commissioner’s Perspective
Madhav Jagtap, deputy commissioner of the anti-encroachment department at PMC, clarifies that the return of goods is contingent upon the hawkers settling the removal charges. This measure ensures accountability and discourages the resurgence of illegal business activities on public thoroughfares.
