An NGO has approached the Supreme Court seeking direction to the Centre and all states to de-clog footpaths that have been illegally encroached by sundry shopkeepers and residents with their vehicles, posing a risk to lives of pedestrians.
“Voice of India” chairman Dhanesh Ieshdhan urged the court to direct union as well as other state governments to formulate a policy to check and eliminate the public nuisance.
In its petition, the NGO contended that most of the roads, lanes, sub-lanes, besides the footpath, have been occupied by shopkeepers, parking vehicles or billboards, forcing pedestrians to walk almost in the middle road. “Responsible government agencies like civic bodies and local police allowed it to happen due to unlawful income,” it claimed, adding “such permanent annoyance” was removed as and when a VVIP passed through a route.
Published 17 February 2014, 22:27 IST