Bandra Fair Vendors Protest Premature Stall Closure

Bandra Fair vendors are protesting the premature closure of their stalls at the Mount Mary Steps, alleging that police action was discriminatory and arbitrary.

The annual Bandra Fair, which takes place over eight days, has traditionally seen stalls lining the Mount Mary Steps, but this year, vendors claim they were forced to shut down early, causing inconvenience to devotees and visitors.

According to Irin Polly, a stall owner, police asked them to shut down as early as 9pm on Sunday and Monday, which is earlier than the traditional permitted timings.

Watchdog Foundation trustees Nicholas Almeida and Godfrey Pimenta have raised concerns over the police action, alleging that it was arbitrary and caused inconvenience to visitors and stallholders.

Pimenta said that police can only shut down stalls after 10pm if the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, are violated, and that there was no such violation in this case.

The Bandra police, however, have denied the allegations, saying that stalls are required to close at 10pm as per the prescribed rules.

An official from the Bandra police station said that the stalls were not forced to close before the permitted timing and that the stall owners were closing their stalls earlier on their own due to rain and few visitors.

The Bandra Fair has a long history, dating back to 1570, and the Mount Mary Steps have traditionally been lined with stalls during the fair.

The Watchdog Foundation has sought immediate clarification from the police on the officially sanctioned closing time for stalls and establishments at the Mount Mary Steps during the Bandra Fair.

The dispute highlights the need for clear communication and coordination between the police and vendors to ensure a smooth and successful fair.

The Bandra Fair is an important event for the local community, and the closure of stalls can have a significant impact on the livelihoods of vendors and the experience of visitors.

In recent years, the fair has attracted thousands of visitors, and the stalls have been an integral part of the event, offering a range of goods and services to devotees and pilgrims.

The police and vendors must work together to find a solution that balances the needs of all parties involved and ensures a successful and enjoyable fair for everyone.