However, social organisations said in such a situation the civic body will have to take responsibility of the possible security threat arising in the housing societies because of this.

"We have taken into account suggestions and objections raised on the hawkers policy draft. The suggestions made by the state government have also been included in it and the policy has been tabled in the general body for final approval," said Pravin Ashtikar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special).

This is among the many new initiatives proposed for keeping a check on hawkers encroaching roads and footpaths. Ashtikar said, "It will be mandatory to reserve an area for such services in the urban renewal scheme, redevelopment of old buildings and slum rehabilitation projects. This should only be made available for vegetable and fruits, dairy and bakery products, grocery and laundry services."

The civic body would give free floor space index to the developer on a written assurance that the space will be made available to already registered hawkers, he said. The same rules will go for all private buildings and new housing complexes that will come up after the policy is implemented, Ashtikar said.

Source: The Indian Express By AJAY KHAPE Civic body proposes zones for hawkers in housing colonies