Vanishing footpaths: Where is the space for you?

Like many other footpaths in the city, footpaths of Malleswaram 16th cross cry for immediate attention. Broken slabs, encroachment of footpath, residents using it for parking are a common sight here.

As you enter this lane, you will find Sign Rise Consulting complex using the footpath as a parking lot. Walk further down the lane and here you may fall into a pit, thanks to the broken slabs which are now forcing pedestrians to walk on the narrow road.

Speaking about the pathetic condition of the footpath, Asha Chandrashekhar, a resident said, “The footpath here is also used as the dump yard by residents. We must blame the residents who are responsible for the bad maintenance of roads and footpaths, rather than blaming the system.”

The authorities in charge of S Doraiswamy Raju Park, have installed wooden chairs, on the footpath, which are well painted and visitors are also seen resting on these after their morning and evening walks. Besides, the footpath is also fenced and a sign board which reads S Doraiswamy Raju Park is installed on the footpath.

A Sri Lidkar Footwear Shop has come up on the footpath. The narrow footpaths serve no purpose with the broken slabs. Apartments and mansions utilising footpath as a parking space is common in this lane. Akshaya Kuteer Apartments, Anjanadri Residence and Rama Mansion stands as an example for the same. Ramesh S, a pedestrian said, “This is a nuisance here. Parking amenities are not facilitated for the tenants here. They are forced to park on the footpaths and also on the roads. We, the pedestrians are left with no option but to walk on the road.“

When asked, the corporator, Dr M S Shivaprasad, “The seating arrangement was part of the park even before I was elected corporator. The chairs are installed for senior citizens to rest after their morning walk or jog. Besides, it was installed only after consulting the residents here.”

Speaking about the footpath encroachment by residents, he said, “We will take the actions if the residents file a written complaint about the issue they face here in the ward.”