Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation Resumes Anti-Hawker Drive After Diwali Break, Seizes Stalls And Goods Near Titwala East Railway Station

Following the five-day Diwali break, Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation has restarted its anti-hawker campaign near Titwala East railway station. On Thursday, the hawker removal squad conducted a surprise operation, seizing handcarts, iron platforms, and goods from vendors who had set up stalls in roads and footpaths. This sudden action startled vendors who had resumed operations during the festive period after a temporary suspension of enforcement measures.

Even after the relaxation period ended, numerous vendors continued occupying public spaces around the station, selling clothes, mobile phone covers, household items, and daily-use products. This overcrowding made pedestrian movement difficult for commuters, who had to navigate through congested roads and squeezed spaces. Devotees visiting the local Ganpati temple also faced inconvenience due to the blockage and traffic jams.

Some residents pointed out that hawkers would dismantle their stalls at night but leave their equipment tied up along pathways, thus keeping the area occupied. Following the reopening of municipal offices post-Diwali, Titwala A ward Assistant Commissioner Anita Rathod received reports about the renewed encroachments. Acting on senior officials' orders, she directed the hawker removal squad to launch an immediate operation.

The team subsequently arrived at the station area and confiscated goods and equipment belonging to the encroaching vendors. While residents have appreciated the drive, they have questioned the effectiveness of the civic anti-encroachment department. Locals have accused certain employees of involvement, leading hawkers to repeatedly return to the area.

They have demanded better monitoring of staff activities and consistent enforcement to ensure public spaces around Titwala station remain accessible to pedestrians and commuters. The civic body's action is urged to be more than occasional drives, with a commitment to maintain clear roads and footpaths in the vicinity of Titwala station.