Encroachments on footpaths, roads put pedestrians at risk

HYDERABAD: Hawkers and shopkeepers displaying their wares and extending stores onto footpaths and roads are proving to be a nuisance for commuters and residents. The consequent space crunch leads to traffic gridlock, leaving pedestrians with little choice but walk on roads instead of pavements.

Many people from areas ranging from Banjara Hills Road Number 12, West Maredpally Road Number 3, Chikkadpally Street Number 3, to Hi-tech City and Kukatpally contacted TOI sharing their tales of woes.

On Road Number 12 there are many structures — permanent and temporary — on footpaths. Due to vehicles parked on corners, people are forced to walk on the middle of that stretch.

Vijaya Laxmi R Gadwal, a corporator in Banjara Hills, said her pleas were ignored by Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

“We are not able to execute beautification works due to encroached pavements. When residents complained, I contacted GHMC town planning wing, but they haven’t done anything,” said Laxmi.

In West Maredpally Road Number 3, pavement eateries and parked vehicles have eaten up most of the space.

On Chikkadpally Street Number 3, oil stores creep into residential bylanes. Customers park their cars on the road, leaving pedestrians little space. “They are moving the stalls towards the corner to be more visible but cause residents and visitors trouble,” said a woman driving through the lanes slowly to avoid her car mirror or indicator getting smashed in the melee.

Krishan Kumar, assistant city planner, Jubliee Hills, said he would inspect the place and take appropriate action.