Joint Operation Cleans Up Powai Schools’ Surroundings in Anti-Drug Campaign

In a decisive crackdown, Powai police and Mumbai’s Municipal Corporation joined forces on Tuesday to sweep away illegal vendors and paan shops that had mushroomed around educational institutions. The operation targeted businesses operating within 100 meters of schools and colleges, marking a significant step toward student safety.

For years, the streets surrounding Powai’s educational zones had become a maze of unauthorized hawkers and paan stalls. These makeshift establishments, which had steadily multiplied across Tunga village, Shivshakti Nagar, Solaris, Chaitanya Nagar, and the Hiranandani areas, raised serious concerns among local residents and school authorities.

“We discovered that students were gaining access to drug-related items through these unauthorized vendors. Despite clear state regulations prohibiting tobacco sales within 100 meters of schools, these operations continued unchecked. The situation demanded immediate intervention,” told a Powai police officer.

The catalyst for action came when residents filed complaints about the growing number of illegal vendors. Senior Police Inspector Jitendra Sonawane of Powai Police Station, along with the BMC ‘S’ ward Municipal Assistant Commissioner’s department, responded promptly. Their swift action demonstrated the authorities’ commitment to enforcing regulations that protect student welfare.

The operation’s significance extends beyond mere vendor removal. It addresses a broader concern about substance abuse among school-age children. Police investigations had revealed that these unauthorized shops were potential gateways to more serious drug-related issues.

The impact was immediate. Local residents, who had long worried about their children’s safety, expressed relief at seeing the areas around schools cleared of unauthorized vendors. The clean-up has transformed these educational zones into safer spaces, allowing parents to breathe easier about their children’s daily school routines.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with citizens praising both the municipal authorities and Powai police for their proactive approach. This coordinated effort between law enforcement and civic bodies serves as a model for other neighborhoods facing similar challenges.

The operation sends a clear message: when it comes to student safety, authorities will not hesitate to take strong action against those who violate regulations, regardless of how long they’ve operated in the area.

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