Mumbai street hawkers navigate economic crisis amidst BMC's deep cleaning drive

Mumbai, a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant street life and diverse culture, has recently witnessed a series of deep cleaning drives, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) initiative, aimed at enhancing the city's cleanliness and hygiene. While these initiatives have positive implications for overall public health, they have also triggered a set of challenges for one of the city's integral components - its street hawkers.

Financial strain

One immediate impact of deep cleaning drives in Mumbai is the disruption of business for street hawkers. These hawkers, who rely on foot traffic and bustling markets, often find themselves temporarily displaced as their regular vending spots undergo a thorough cleaning.

"The closure of these areas translates into a temporary loss of income for the hawkers, highlighting the immediate challenges they face," Raju, who sells vegetables, said.

"Nowadays, officials now and then are seen doing rounds and all small vendors, like me, are told to leave from footpaths," the vendor from Girgaon said.

Raju has been selling vegetables since 2017. "I came here to work so that I can help my family. But since I am not highly educated, I couldn't find a job and ended up selling vegetables," he said. "I earn little money every day, from which I have to save money so that I can send it to my family in Uttar Pradesh. Some money goes for rent as I don't own a home in the city. By the end of the month, I am left with no money in hand. If our business gets affected for a day, our finances go for a toss and then we are unable to manage monthly expenses," Raju added.

Relocation challenges

The need for hawkers to relocate during these cleaning drives complicates their daily operations.

"Finding alternative locations that are accessible and attract customers is challenging. The temporary shift results in reduced visibility and lower sales, affecting the livelihoods of street vendors," Suresh, who sells fruits in South Mumbai's Kalbadevi area, said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Raju shared, "We have regular customers who have been coming to us for years. I have been selling vegetables for the past many years and know well who wants what. It becomes essential that I operate only from this space."

Balancing act

Raju agreed that while the short-term challenges are apparent, it is crucial to recognise the potential long-term benefits of deep cleaning drives. "Creating a cleaner and more sanitary environment can improve the public image of street vending areas. This, in turn, may attract more customers who are reassured by the enhanced hygiene standards, ultimately benefiting the hawkers in the long run," Suresh said.

Are the hawkers complaining?

However, Shashank Rao, President of the Mumbai Hawkers' Union, said he hasn't received official complaints from hawkers about deep cleaning drives yet. "Yes, their businesses are displaced for some time till the cleanliness drives are done, but we haven't received any major complaints yet," he added.

However, Rao highlighted that the BMC and Maharashtra government are neglecting the hawkers and don't care about them. "The BMC has still not authorised these hawkers. The businesses of these hawkers are run on the whims and fancies of BMC officials. The BMC must first give hawkers licenses and authorise them. BMC officials are currently doing whatever they want. The authorities must also understand what will the hawkers do if they are shut, and how will they survive and feed their families. Even now the civic body has compiled a list of 32,000 eligible hawkers, while there are over 3 lakh hawkers in the city. In short, BMC and state government doesn't care about hawkers," he said.

Meanwhile, a BMC official said they haven't received complaints from hawkers. "Why will they complain? These deep-cleaning drives are helping the city."

The BMC official said residents face problems while walking on footpaths because hawkers are sitting on footpaths. "Elderly people, children and women can't even walk on footpaths nowadays because there is no space left on footpaths. Most of the space is captured by the hawkers," he said.

The BMC official further said that the deep cleaning drives will continue until the entire city is cleaned. "We will continue with the deep cleaning drives until the entire city is clean," he said.

Regulation and compliance

Deep cleaning initiatives often coincide with increased regulatory scrutiny on street vending. While this may pose initial challenges for hawkers adjusting to new regulations, it can also contribute to a safer and more organised street vending ecosystem. Stricter enforcement can lead to better food safety practices, ensuring the well-being of the hawkers and their customers.

Community engagement and awareness

Deep cleaning drives also present an opportunity for positive community engagement. Municipal authorities can work collaboratively with hawkers to raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. This engagement can foster a sense of community responsibility, creating a more supportive environment for residents and street vendors.

Conclusion

In the dynamic urban landscape of Mumbai, the impact of deep cleaning drives on street hawkers is a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities. While the immediate disruptions to business are undeniable, the overarching goal of creating a cleaner and healthier environment is a shared objective. Balancing short-term setbacks with long-term gains requires collaborative efforts from municipal authorities, the community, and the resilient hawkers who form an integral part of Mumbai's vibrant street culture. Through effective communication and thoughtful planning, it is possible to navigate these changes and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.