Free pavements for walking, demand pedestrians
Lucknow: Hailing Supreme Court’s decision declaring freedom to walk on footpaths a fundamental right, people demanded civic bodies to remove encroachments and implement the apex court’s order at the earliest.A day after the decision, a TOI reality check in Gomti Nagar, Indira Nagar, Badshah Nagar, N
By Anjanaya Singh

Lucknow: Hailing Supreme Court’s decision declaring freedom to walk on footpaths a fundamental right, people demanded civic bodies to remove encroachments and implement the apex court’s order at the earliest.A day after the decision, a TOI reality check in Gomti Nagar, Indira Nagar, Badshah Nagar, Nishatganj and Hazratganj found widespread violations, including encroachments, illegal parking and damaged footpaths.
People conveyed that these problems have existed for years.Resident of Gomti Nagar, Rakesh Verma, said, “Authorities should work on removing encroachments and ensure footpaths are cleared for safe walking in the city.”A resident of Indira Nagar, Prithika Garbyal said walking has become impossible in the area as footpaths are fully occupied by shops and parked two-wheelers, leaving no dedicated space for pedestrians on a daily basis.Resident of Badshah Nagar, Arshad Alam, said, “Despite complaining to LMC five times in 6 months , no action is taken and footpaths remain blocked forcing pedestrians on roads in the area and safety risk continues.”A resident of Nishatganj, Siya Sharma, said footpaths remain blocked across the area, with no proper walking space available as shop extensions, vendors, parked vehicles, poles, transformers and hoardings continue to occupy pedestrian paths, contributing to rising inconvenience and road safety risks, including frequent accidents.Hazratganj resident Pranav Kesarwani said, “In many locations, encroachments include vehicles parked or dumped by authorities themselves outside police stations and chowkis, footpaths are obstructed forcing pedestrians on roads inches away from traffic putting elderly and children at risk.”On being asked, the additional municipal commissioner said the civic body conducts regular drives to clear encroachments from footpaths.
He added that preventing their return is the police’s responsibility. “We will follow the SC’s directions and ensure footpaths remain clear for pedestrians,” he said.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in LucknowStay updated with the latest Lucknow news.
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