Dadar's Tilak Bridge Taken Over by Illegal Hawkers, Squatters; Residents Raise Concerns

Unlicensed hawkers are causing serious concerns among commuters and residents on Tilak Bridge, Dadar West, in the G North ward of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The bridge is situated on Senapati Bapat Marg, next to Dadar Railway Station's platform number 1.

Residents have raised concerns that the bridge could get damaged. This is because a large number of sacks containing clothing, fruits, and vegetables are piled up in the columns of the bridge. As per the images surfacing on the internet, some people have also been sleeping on the columns of the bridge. This increases the danger to the bridge's structural integrity. 

Despite this, the response from authorities has been minimal. Neither the Mumbai Police nor the BMC have taken any concrete steps to address the situation. 

#Mumbai

Tilak Bridge Dadar is a Horrible Mess thanks to @mybmc.

Earlier it used to be encroached by #IllegalHawkers selling vegetables in the morning. But these days it's 24x7 squatters on both footpaths forcing pedestrians on the road full of traffic.pic.twitter.com/gbMnjC5Re5 https://t.co/ItFmIY8Cle

— मुंबई Matters™ (@mumbaimatterz) August 9, 2024

Interestingly, there are three BMC chowkis nearby. These include one for the Solid Waste Management Department and another for the License Department. Residents claim that officials are aware of the issue but have chosen to ignore it.

The situation has sparked outrage on social media. One X user expressed frustration, saying "the situation is out of control." Another user highlighted that the BMC had been ignoring the issue for over a month. The official BMC Twitter account responded, apologising for the inconvenience and promising to send a team from the G North ward. 

It’s beyond control now. @mybmc has just ignored this encroachment for over a month now. It started with 2 tents, look at the mess now. @mumbaimatterz @chakachakdadar @MumbaiPolice pic.twitter.com/4lXRFhENat

— Suyash (@SuyashBirje) August 7, 2024

However, residents remain skeptical. One person immediately responded, doubting that any action would be taken. Another pointed out that the team had promised to come two weeks ago but had yet to act.

Previously, illegal hawkers only encroached on the area in the mornings to sell vegetables. Now, they are present around the clock. As per sources, squatters now occupy both walkways, forcing pedestrians to walk on the busy road.