Bogus hawkers in PCMC's extensive survey, says union

PIMPRI CHINCHWAD: The hawkers' survey carried out by the civic body has failed to address the issue of encroachment.

The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation found more than 18,000 hawkers in the civic limits during its recent survey.

The hawkers' union has alleged that the bogus hawkers were enrolled during the survey. They said that encroachment by illegal hawkers was resulting in traffic issues in Wakad, Pimple Saudagar, and Rahatani, among other areas.

Baba Kamble, president, National Hawkers Federation, told TOI, "The civic body has done video recording of the survey. It will be easier for them to find out if there are any new hawkers in areas surveyed by them."

He added, "The civic body needs to form a town vending committee. Its formation was on hold owing to the absence of a full-time official at the sky sign and licencing department. Now that they have one, the committee formation should be expedited."

Many residents in Wakad said that encroachment by hawkers in areas like Datta Mandir Road become crowded during peak hours due to the presence of illegal vendors. Jitendra Wagh, additional commissioner, PCMC, said, "We are hearing out the objections from the stakeholders against the recently-concluded survey. Once that is done, their views will be presented before the town vending committee and we will start working on plans for hawkers' zones in respective wards."


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