BANGALORE: The High Court on Wednesday directed the BBMP to remove all obstacles and encroachments on footpaths and restore them to good shape within three months.
The court also told the municipal authorities to build footpaths on roads without them.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice D H Waghela and Justice H G Ramesh was hearing a public interest case filed by citizens Jennifer Pinto and Priya Rao, seeking clear footpaths for pedestrian safety.
The court examined records produced by the BBMP and said they show, in many cases, that footpaths are encroached or need repair.
Walking on the main road
is extremely hazardous. Existing footpaths are either encroached or are not of sufficient width. This is also a cause for the increase in accidents involving pedestrians, the court observed.
The court lashed out at the BBMP for its failure to remove encroachments. Justice Waghela observed that the BBMP had in February submitted an affidavit promising to clear footpaths of encroachment.
However, it now seeks six more months. Its approach does not inspire the confidence of the court, he said.
The chief engineer of each ward will be responsible for carrying out the construction and maintenance of footpaths. The court warned them of contempt proceedings if they ignored the directions.
The bench also instructed the traffic and local police to coordinate with the BBMP for removal of encroachments.
The court has additionally asked the BBMP for details about the length of roads, and indicate which ones have footpaths.