Bhiwandi: BNCMC Launches Citywide Encroachment Crackdown, Warns Shopkeepers Of ₹10,000 Fine For Hawkers Outside Shops
· Free Press Journal
Bhiwandi, August 7, 2026: The Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation (BNCMC) has launched an extensive anti-encroachment drive across the city, warning shopkeepers that they will be held accountable if hawkers are found operating outside their establishments.
Under the new enforcement measures, shop owners permitting handcarts or roadside stalls in front of their shops will face a penalty of Rs 10,000, while repeated violations could result in the sealing of their commercial premises.
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The campaign, being carried out under the leadership of Mayor Narayan Choudhary, is aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion caused by illegal roadside encroachments on major roads and internal streets across Bhiwandi. The operation is being jointly undertaken by BNCMC’s Encroachment Department with the assistance of the local police and the Traffic Police.
Zero-Tolerance Warning To Traders
Addressing traders during an inspection in the Kamatghar area on Friday, Mayor Choudhary said the municipal corporation would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards the illegal occupation of public roads and footpaths. He made it clear that the enforcement drive would not be limited to a single locality but would be extended across the city.
If any hawker or handcart is found operating in front of a shop, the shopkeeper concerned will be liable for a fine of Rs 10,000. Failure to pay the penalty could invite stricter action, including the sealing of the establishment, the Mayor warned.
According to civic officials, illegal encroachments by hawkers and vendors have significantly reduced the width of several roads, resulting in persistent traffic bottlenecks and inconvenience to commuters and pedestrians.
Residents have also alleged that in some areas, shopkeepers collect between Rs 200 and Rs 300 per day from hawkers in exchange for allowing them to conduct business outside their shops, further aggravating congestion.
Major Roads Covered In Drive
The civic action covered several traffic-sensitive localities, including Teen Batti, Bazar Peth, Kamatghar, Gaibi Nagar, Shanti Nagar, Navi Basti, Khandupada, Vanjar Patti Naka, and Nagaon, where roads and footpaths have allegedly been encroached upon by roadside vendors.
Particular attention was given to the heavily congested Kamatghar-Tadali Road, which has witnessed severe traffic snarls for a prolonged period due to merchandise displayed on footpaths and the presence of handcarts along the carriageway.
The road has increasingly become an important alternative route for motorists travelling towards Mumbai and Thane whenever congestion builds up on the Anjurphata-Kasheli Road and the bypass.
Following repeated complaints from local residents, the anti-encroachment operation was initiated with the support of Corporator Kamalakar Patil. As news of the drive spread, many traders voluntarily removed goods displayed outside their shops, while several handcart operators vacated the area before the enforcement team arrived.
Officials Stress Continued Enforcement
Mayor Choudhary personally supervised the operation and instructed civic officials to ensure that public roads remain free from fresh encroachments.
He reiterated that roads and footpaths are public assets intended for the convenience and safety of citizens, and that any attempt to reclaim these spaces illegally would invite stringent action.
Corporator Kamalakar Patil said that the illegal occupation of footpaths by shopkeepers and vendors has been one of the primary reasons for daily traffic congestion, especially during peak morning and evening hours.
He also urged the authorities to deploy permanent traffic police personnel and traffic wardens in the Kamatghar area to manage the growing vehicular movement.
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