Hawkers around Mumbadevi temple evicted amidst protests

Mumbai, Dec 17 (UNI) Over 200 hawkers today protested against the anti hawkers drive of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the police near Mumbadevi temple in Kalbadevi.

Around 70 of the protesters were detained by L T Marg police for preventing the BMC staff from doing their duty. All of them were released.

Assistant Municipal Commissioner of ward 'C', Sharad Dalvi said, ''The area around Mumbadevi temple is very historic and the BMC is beautifying the place, hence the hawkers were evicted.'' Mr Dalvi added, ''Moreover, the place is a non-hawking zone and according to the High Court's directive, the hawkers have to be removed.'' UNI