Known for its shacks selling delectable street food, the lane may soon wear a deserted look, with traders and civic authorities preparing to evict hawkers, in a bid to reduce congestion
Known for its shacks selling delectable street food, the lane may soon wear a deserted look, with traders and civic authorities preparing to evict hawkers, in a bid to reduce congestion
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The very name Khau Galli is synonymous with tasty treats. Tucked away in the heart of South Mumbai, it has lived up to its name, its array of shacks serving as a haven for many a hungry soul.
But after Wednesday's terror strike, these regular sights and sounds may soon be a thing of the past.
Post the blasts, the famous food vendors at Khau Galli may
be evicted from the area making the delectable fare a thing
of the past
The famous Khau Galli of Zaveri Bazaar may no longer dish out its delectable fare, with traders in the area gearing up to evict hawkers from the area, in the aftermath of the 13/7 blasts.
Traders are convinced that the area is singled out repeatedly by anti-social elements because of the swelling crowds that gather there every day, to sample the cheap but scrumptious street food.
Dipesh Kapadia, one of the traders said, "We want to rid the area of hawkers, who are responsible for congestion in the area. Even traffic takes a blow because of them."
On a regular evening at Khau Galli, there are no less that 35 stalls lining the stretch, having mushroomed alongside the shops. There are two to five patrons at each stall, adding to trade-related congestion in the area.
"Apart from the stall owners and customers, vehicles, mostly scooters and motor-cycles are parked on the road in a haphazard manner. People from all over Zaveri Bazaar, as well as other adjoining areas, come to sample the fare here, increasing the woes of traders.
On any day, it takes nearly 30 minutes for a motorist to cover the 500 metre stretch after 6.30 pm," said Raju Bhati, another trader.
Ashwin Derasari, a trader based in Zaveri Bazaar, attended a meeting that was convened by traders in the wake of the blast.
Speaking to MiD DAY, he said, "We would be forming a committee to investigate how the illegal hawkers have access to electricity. We wish to cooperate with the BMC to drive them away."
However, not everyone is happy with this move. Suryakumar Purohit, proprietor of the 108-year-old kachori store at Zaveri Bazaar, wondered how the evicted hawkers would survive their loss of livelihood.
"Nearly 40 hawkers have stalls at the market, providing work to more than 150 people.
About 500 people are dependent on them, directly or indirectly. Driving them away would be a cruel move," he said.
Hawkers selling their fare earn between Rs 1,000-1500 on a daily basis, depending on the products they sell.
S Kumar, who has been dishing out medu wada at his stall, said, "We have been here for last 20 years.
This is our sole source of income. Our customers are mostly traders. Where will we go from here, if we are thrown out?"
The BMC is making a concerted effort to eliminate illegal hawkers from the congested areas, to make the city safer.
"We will take strong action against vendors in these areas," said Chandrakant Rokade, the deputy municipal commissioner, Encroachment department.
Rahul Shewale, the standing committee chairman of BMC said, "These hawkers vend their fare illegally, and are not endorsed by the BMC. We will be driving them out soon."
Stepping out for a bite cost him his life
Avinash Tamka (24), who was one of the most critically injured victims admitted to Bombay Hospital following the blasts, passed away at the Bombay Hospital yesterday, raising the death toll to 18.
Tamka, son of Kirti Kumar, owner of the a gold jewellery shop in Zaveri Bazaar, had gone for a quick bite to Zaveri Bazaar's Khau Galli, when terror struck.
He was first rushed to St George's Hospital by a shop employee Madan Parihar, and his brother Khushpal. After being administered emergency medical treatment, he was moved to Bombay Hospital.
Tamka sustained multiple injuries in various parts of his body, including a perforated stomach and a mutilated leg, which had to be amputated. Tamka passed away yesterday at 6:30 pm.
Dr Sagar Sakle, the officer on special duty said, "All our doctors tried their very best, but we couldn't save him"
Eesha Patkar
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