Footpaths in 53 wards of Ranchi became the domain of shopkeepers
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Jagran correspondent, Ranchi. The footpaths built for the convenience of the common people in all the 53 wards of the city are today vulnerable to encroachment. These footpaths, built with the aim of providing safe passage for pedestrians, are now under temporary and permanent encroachment at many places.
As a result, people are forced to walk on the roads, due to which the risk of accidents has increased. Shops, hotels, carts and vegetable vendors have taken over the footpaths in various areas of the city.
At many places, permanent construction has been done, due to which the path for pedestrians has been completely blocked. School going children, elderly and women are being affected the most.
Frequent collisions between drivers and pedestrians
While walking on the road, conflicts often arise between drivers and pedestrians. Many times people have been injured after being hit by vehicles. From time to time, the Municipal Corporation runs a campaign to remove encroachments.
During the campaign, footpaths are also vacated, but due to lack of regular monitoring and strictness, they are re-occupied within a few days.
Making footpaths encroachment free is a priority
Local people say that unless there is continuous monitoring and strict action, this problem will persist. Municipal corporation elections are going to be held in the city soon. With the selection of new councilors, people's expectations have also increased.
Citizens believe that the new public representatives should give priority to making the footpaths free from encroachments. For this, just running a campaign will not be enough, but a concrete strategy will have to be made towards a permanent solution.
Alternative arrangement for those doing business on footpaths
Along with this, alternative arrangements should be made for those doing business on footpaths, so that their livelihood is not affected and pedestrians can also get safe passage. For the systematic development of the city and smooth traffic system, it has become necessary to clear the footpaths.
Now it remains to be seen how the new incoming councilors deal with this challenge and whether they are able to provide safe and orderly footpaths to the city residents or not. t
Encroachment on footpath increasing as main road is constructed
These days footpaths are being constructed on the main road so that pedestrians can get safe and easy passage. But at the same speed with which the footpath is being built, it is also being encroached upon.
At many places, as soon as the construction work is completed, the footpaths are being occupied by shopkeepers, cart operators or temporary structures. Due to this, pedestrians are being forced to walk on the road again.
The purpose of footpaths is to allow people to walk safely. If the footpath is not made encroachment free now, it will be completely encroached upon within a few days and the very purpose of construction will be defeated.
If strict steps are not taken in time, the footpath built with public tax money will again prove to be useless for the common people. Therefore, along with construction, an effective system to prevent encroachment is also necessary, so that people can get real facilities.
Expert View: Retired IAS Rajeev Kumar
Retired IAS Rajeev Kumar has a clear opinion that footpaths in cities should be kept completely encroachment free. He says that footpaths are made for pedestrians, but today at most places shops, carts, illegal parking or other types of occupation are seen on them.
Due to this, common citizens are forced to walk on the roads, which poses a serious threat to their safety. Walking on the road amidst fast moving vehicles increases the risk of accidents.
Concrete and sustained steps must be taken
According to Rajiv Kumar, the Municipal Corporation should take concrete and continuous steps in this direction. They suggest that a special team be formed under the Municipal Corporation, whose sole responsibility is to monitor and conserve footpaths. If any person or trader occupies the footpath, he should be removed immediately.
Merely running formal or cosmetic campaigns will not solve the problem. It is necessary that the action be regular, fair and effective, so that a clear message is sent to the encroachers that occupying the footpath is not acceptable under any circumstances.
They also point out that footpaths are built with public tax money. When citizens pay taxes from their hard-earned money, they have the right to have safe and convenient infrastructure. But when footpaths become encroached upon, people have to face inconvenience instead of convenience.
This situation becomes even more difficult for the elderly, children and disabled people. Rajeev Kumar believes that if footpaths remain truly free and accessible, pedestrians will not come out on the road and accidents will reduce.
It is not just a question of beautification, but of the safety and rights of the citizens. The city administration should work in this direction with seriousness, continuity and accountability, only then the cities can be made safe and orderly.
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