Pune Municipal Corporation has initiated a campaign to tackle encroachments across the city. However, food streets appear to be an exception, receiving a sort of protection despite their numerous issues.
The crowded stalls, indiscriminate disposal of leftover food into monsoon drains, and chaotic parking conditions are causing significant inconvenience to local residents.
The Pune Municipal Corporation has granted licenses to legitimate businesses, but the number of unauthorized vendors has surged. Open spaces on sidewalks, roads, and squares are quickly occupied by stalls or carts.
When the Municipal Corporation's anti encroachment department takes action, vendors pay fines, retrieve their goods, and continue their encroachments at the same locations.
This scenario is particularly prevalent in central areas like Shivajinagar, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune Station, and key intersections and roads in the suburbs.
Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol recently ordered that all roads and footpaths be cleared of encroachments. The Municipal Corporation has planned actions across 15 regional offices, and so far, operations have been conducted in areas like Gopal Krishna Gokhale Road, Hadapsar, Nagar Road, Sinhagad Road, and Nehru Road.
Despite these efforts, the food streets continue to present significant challenges. Various food items are sold on carts and stalls, attracting large crowds.
This results in parking issues and unsanitary conditions. Many vendors dispose of leftover food and dirty water from washing utensils into nearby monsoon drains, causing a foul stench when the food rots. The Municipal Corporation has not been taking action against these unsanitary practices, much to the distress of local residents.
Additionally, local political influences exacerbate the problem. Former councilors, MLAs, and other political leaders often allow known individuals to set up stalls for livelihood purposes. This has created an atmosphere of fear among residents, with citizens facing threats and intimidation when they file complaints.
There is a pressing need for discipline among both authorized and unauthorized vendors in food streets. Many stalls operate without the necessary permissions to cook food on the streets, selling items like Pav Bhaji, Egg Bhurji, and Chinese dishes.
The Municipal Corporation, along with street vendor organizations, must take measures to ensure local residents are not inconvenienced. Actions are being taken against those who violate regulations by using gas cylinders, occupying excessive space, renting out stalls, and maintaining unsanitary conditions. These efforts will be intensified in the coming days.
Madhav Jagtap, Deputy Commissioner, Anti-Encroachment Department: "We are taking action against those who violate regulations in food streets, and this action will be intensified."
"Food streets in Shivajinagar Gaothan are causing parking issues and unclean conditions. The Municipal Corporation is not paying attention to this, and there is a need to bring discipline among these vendors," a citizen expressed.
