India, April 3 -- The city's suburban wards have emerged as the biggest hotspots for illegal hawkers according to the January and February data in the BMC ward-wise encroachment removal drive. The data shows that areas such as L ward in Kurla, N ward in Ghatkopar, R/C in Dahisar, K West in Andheri-Juhu and T ward in Bhandup consistently recorded the highest number of unauthorised hawkers.

According to the ward-wise encroachment removal and redemption collection reports, 13,724 illegal hawkers were acted against in February, while 11,764 hawkers were targeted in January, indicating a sharp and sustained crackdown across the city. A comparison of the two months shows a clear trend-suburban wards dominated the list of illegal hawker concent...