The bustling suburb of Viman Nagar in Pune has long been grappling with a persistent issue that continues to irk its residents — the illegal occupation of footpaths and public spaces by vendors, food stalls, and hawkers. Despite the ongoing pleas and complaints from the citizens, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) seems to turn a blind eye, allowing the problem to persist unchecked.
This age-old issue, as highlighted by Qaneez Sukhrani, a Pune Citizen Activist, has deep-rooted implications for the community. The heart of the matter lies not in the citizens’ opposition to business activities but in their resistance to vendors treating public spaces as if they were private property. The brewing concern points to the underhanded collection and distribution of hafta (weekly bribes), fostering an environment where complaints go unanswered and citizens’ pleas fall on deaf ears.
The citizens are not content with sporadic drives against encroachments; they demand a permanent solution. Sukhrani emphasizes the need for proactive measures rather than reactive ones. The reality is that various areas in Viman Nagar are hotspots for such encroachments, creating inconvenience for the residents.
One glaring example is the transformation of both sides of the footpath at Khalsa Dairy into a bustling food street after 7 pm. What was once a pedestrian walkway becomes Khau Galli, catering to the evening crowd, especially on the eve of holidays. This blatant disregard for public spaces poses a threat to the safety and comfort of the residents.
Similarly, the Biodiversity Udyan footpath witnessed an encroachment issue on August 30, 2023, during an anti-encroachment drive on Phoenix Mall Road. Despite the removal of stalls during the drive, they quickly reappeared once PMC concluded its activities in the area. Approximately 10 to 12 food stalls occupy the entire footpath width, conducting business with impunity.
The Thursday market near Rose Society in Viman Nagar is another sore point, with hawkers lining the roadside. PMC cannot afford to ignore the blatant occupation of public spaces in proximity to residential areas. Additionally, the potential for a designated vendor zone on Phoenix Mall Road remains untapped. With proper planning and infrastructure, this area could serve as an exemplary vendor zone for the rest of Pune, yet PMC has failed to take proactive steps.
As Viman Nagar residents continue to grapple with encroachments and illegal vendors, the call for a comprehensive and permanent solution grows louder. It’s high time for PMC to address the root of the issue, implement stringent measures, and reclaim public spaces for the benefit and well-being of the community.
