Moving on Footpaths a Tightrope Walk

KOCHI: The state of the footpath along Kaloor­Desabhimani junction is pathetic, thanks to the Metro Rail construction and the apathy of the Kochi Corporation,

The pavement stretching from Kaloor to Desabhimani Junction have been a cause of much dismay for pedestrians and most bus stops are on the broken down pavements.

According to Yusuf, a hotel owner by the Kaloor road, the lack of appropriate number of slabs, most of which are shaky, pose a threat to the people who are new to the area. “Many students, the elderly and the handicapped fall victims to the treacherous slabs. It is a common sight to see one or two people running to help those who have fallen down”, he said.

The footpath opposite the St Antony’s Shrine is dangerous. People from other districts flock to the church and the dilapidated  slabs with its protruding iron rods can lead to casualties.

Appukuttan Nair, said, “It is a pity for a city like Kochi, that claims to be a Metro, to be witness to such roads and footpaths. He said the condition worsens with the onset of monsoons, causing even more difficulties for the public. “The situation is worse at night”, he says. He points out that the pavements are not aligned properly, are irregular being at varying heights from the road which cause difficulties. Besides, the market sans waste management provisions, also adds to the footpath woes with half the filth carelessly dumped into the drains that are covered by slabs that form the footpath. Morevoer, the garbage and traffic chaos often forces those on two-wheelers to ride on footpaths that not only pose risks for pedestrians but also damage the slabs, said Augustin Joseph of a bakery on the stretch.

Home guard Sudhi, also an ex- serviceman, said the people’s disregard for rules and their impatience add to the troubles. “The bad condition can be attributed to the negligence of the authorities concerned who do not bother to cover the place after they are dug open for cleaning or laying of cables”, said a worker with KCR Tyres.

The absence of scientific planning is another reason.  When asked, the authorities concerned said that they would look into the matter.

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The New Indian Express
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