Pune: Bombay High Court Directs PMC, PMRDA And Other Authorities To Clarify Their Stand On Pathetic Condition Of Footpaths
Pune, 12th December 2023: The Bombay High Court, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Arif S Doctor, heard PIL 141 of 2923 addressing pedestrians’ rights on 06.12.2023. Senior social activist Qaneez Sukhrani from Pune filed the petition. The court directed respondents, including PMC, Urban Development Department, Town Planning Department, District Collector, Maha Metro, and PMRDA, to submit their affidavits by 27.12.2023. The next hearing is scheduled for 17.01.2024.
Adv. Satya Muley, representing the petitioner, argued that Pune Municipal Corporation neglects pedestrians’ rights, pointing to poorly constructed or broken footpaths, encroachments by vendors, hawkers, beggars, and various obstacles. Maha-Metro Pune’s construction also hampers footpaths.
PEDESTRIANS DAY AMID PEDESTRIANS’ RIGHTS APATHY
PMC celebrated Pedestrians Day on 11th December, coinciding with the Bombay High Court’s order highlighting the apathy towards pedestrians’ rights in Pune. Key regions of PMC face a lack of footpaths, either encroached or dug up.
LIFE IS DIFFICULT FOR PEDESTRIANS IN PUNE
Footpaths in PMC jurisdiction are extensively encroached, making safe pedestrian movement nearly impossible. Dug-up footpaths, absence of crossings and ramps for accessibility add to the challenges, forcing pedestrians onto the streets.
PUNE METRO ADDING TO THE WOES OF THE PEDESTRIANS
The Metro Rail project’s unplanned progress results in footpath encroachments, hindering safe passage for pedestrians. Maha-Metro Pune’s construction occupies significant footpath space.
MAJOR ENCROACHMENT ON FOOTPATHS
Footpaths in prominent locations like Nagar Road, Aundh Road, Karve Road, Satara Road, Baner Road, Swargate, Pashan Road, Koregaon Park Roads, Fergusson College Road, and Balewadi High Street face encroachment by vendors, hawkers, beggars, and illegally parked vehicles.
UNPLANNED DIGGING AND GARBAGE DUMPING
Unplanned digging and garbage dumping obstruct footpaths, forcing pedestrians onto roads. Lack of adherence to Indian Road Congress norms compounds the issues.
Qaneez Sukhrani, the petitioner, highlighted the urgent need for the PIL due to PMC’s inaction on encroachments and lack of corrective measures. Despite filing the petition in August 2023, issues persist.
Adv. Satya Muley emphasized PMC and Town Planning Department’s constitutional responsibility for proper pedestrian facilities, citing violations of Urban Street Design Guidelines. The PIL reflects citizens’ struggle for basic amenities amid PMC’s administrative challenges.
