In a persistent struggle to rein in hawker encroachments on Salunke Vihar Road in Kondhwa, a recurring challenge has emerged, causing significant inconvenience to both residents and motorists during peak hours. This escalating issue has posed a formidable challenge for the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Col. Deepak Kumar (Retd) shed light on the tenacity of the problem, revealing, “Until six months ago, hawkers would occupy a portion of the road, leading to traffic jams as cars and bikes parked for vegetable shopping congested the area. The PMC’s anti-encroachment squad would conduct periodic checks, often with prior notification from the hawkers themselves. As soon as the squad arrived, the stalls would be temporarily relocated, only to return to their original spots minutes after the PMC vehicle departed. The situation improved with a PMC truck and staff permanently stationed near the ICICI ATM, acting as a deterrent to the hawkers and ensuring the desired road width. However, on Sundays and holidays when PMC staff is absent, the hawkers make a comeback, perpetuating traffic chaos.”
Rajesh Bhojwani, an industrialist and local resident, articulated the frustrations of honest taxpayers, saying, “Encroachments and hawkers are essentially an affront and punishment to those who dutifully pay taxes. Shopkeepers adhere to their tax and fee obligations for their frontage, making it unjust when a hawker occupies the same space. What kind of message does this send to the law-abiding citizens who contribute their fair share? It almost appears as if illegal practices are being favored.”
Previously, hawkers were relocated to the nearby vegetable market in proximity to Nala Park on Salunke Vihar Road. However, they are now returning to encroach upon the road, particularly on Sundays and during the week when PMC officials conduct inspections. The hawkers have been resistant to relocating to the designated vegetable market due to its proximity to a drain, which encourages the presence of snakes in the area.
On this issue with Dhammanand Gaikwad, Chief Encroachment Inspector of the PMC Hadapsar-Mundhwa Ward Office, he stated, “We are planning to visit the site and investigate this matter soon.”
As the saga of hawker encroachments persists on Salunke Vihar Road, local residents remain hopeful that a lasting solution will soon be discovered to alleviate the persistent traffic woes that have beleaguered the area.
