Days after being evicted from Borivli’s Court Lane, popularly known as Bhaji Market Gully, illegal hawkers were seen surreptitiously returning to the spot, exploiting the apparent lack of coordination between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai police.

Despite civic vehicles being stationed in the lane in shifts, a makeshift market thrives as soon as officials wrap up their monitoring around 7.30 pm
A three-day spot check by mid-day from Sunday revealed a recurring pattern. In the morning and afternoon, when BMC vehicles were present, hawkers were notably absent or seen in very few numbers. However, by evening, once the vehicles left, the lane was immediately reoccupied. BMC vehicles typically arrive at the spot around 10 am after which action is taken against the hawkers sitting on the road. The vehicles are stationed there till about 7.30 pm until which the road is clear. However, once the vehicles leave, hawkers make a beeline to the gully with their wares.