It is one of Mumbai’s most enduring battles—citizens vs hawkers. Now, this has taken a new turn after a BJP MLA suggested that the BMC should destroy impounded goods, rather than returning seized material to hawkers.

After a meeting with several stakeholders, the MLA suggested one way to stop the ‘boomerang’ effect, which is illegal hawkers returning after they are removed from the spot, within a day or even hours, is to confiscate their goods. These items should not be returned to them, as is the case. If goods are repeatedly taken away and not returned, illegal hawkers will be discouraged and, in many cases, unable to return. This is because of having to buy the goods repeatedly.