During the COVID-19 pandemic, several parts of south Mumbai became a hub of hawkers and their numbers have doubled over the years, complained locals. Now, illegal stalls have taken over parking spots, entered small lanes and blocked access to residential societies. Civic officials said every time they take action, hawkers return. 

mid-day conducted a test drive in Gulalwadi, Kumbharwada, Nal Bazar, CP Tank Road, VP Road, Bhuleshwar and Bhoiwada in south Mumbai, where hawkers had mushroomed during the COVID-19 pandemic.