Footpaths lost,walking turns dangerous

“People coming to the shops have started parking vehicles here,leaving no space for pedestrians,” she says. Deshmukh says residents,including children and senior citizens are forced to walk on the busy road risking lives,as there is no space on the footpath.

Some residents complain that it is not just hawkers and slum dwellers who encroach footpaths. “Commercial establishments like marriage halls have converted footpaths into their entrance,while restaurants and eateries use footpaths as seating area,” they say.

Malhar Tambe,a resident of Chintamani Nagar,says,“Every year,PMC initiates encroachment drives and along with the police,raze 60-80 structures. The drive has often taken a backseat after it met with resistance and turned violent. Why are these structures allowed to be constructed in the first place?”

Tambe says most roads in Bibvewadi have been widened and traffic flow has increased. National Highway 4 being close by,the number of heavy vehicles has also increased. This makes footpaths essential for people’s safety. “It is necessary to have wide,encroachment-free footpaths for safety of pedestrians. However,it is seen that wider the footpaths,more the encroachment,” he says.

Madhav Deshpande,Bibvewadi ward officer,says that regular anti-encroachment drives are conducted by the PMC. “As far as encroachment in Kothari blocks is concerned,it comes under Sahakarnagar ward office,” he says. Also,if residents have any complaints of encroachment,they may inform the ward office on 25508700.