Chennai
The biggest violation is the rampant parking of two-wheelers on both sides of the road. The two-wheelers that belong to patrons, owners, employees and residents occupy the footpath, forcing pedestrians to take to the road. The vehicles are even seen spilling over from the footpath on to the roads themselves.
“The two-wheeler parking is a major issue here. Every day the number of vehicles seem to be growing unchecked. No one questions those who park. After the first person parks here, others feel emboldened to do the same even though it is illegal. We have never had the police warn anyone. If one day some vehicles are towed it will set a good precedent and stop this practice,” said Subbu, a resident.
Another issue is the street vendors on the road, the vendors set up shops that completely take over the pavement and is an obstruction to pedestrians. Any transaction with the vendors has to be done standing on the road, putting oneself in danger from traffic.
The vendors on their part said they do not have many alternatives, as is the case with most street vendors in the city. “I don’t have any alternative. I’ve set up shop here because it is viable. Many people visit this road, there is a cricket stadium close by. If I have to move it will affect my income,” said Rani, a street vendor.
A key issue seen on Bells Road is also the dumping of construction debris by the roadside and on footpaths. Gravel and plywood meant for under construction buildings are left on the path of pedestrians and even jut into the road. Broken blocks of concrete from demolished buildings also take up real estate meant for pedestrians.
Another eyesore and inconvenience is the dumping of garbage that blocks pavements. The garbage is either dumped directly on the pavement making it unusable or the street bin overflows creating an island of filth making the entire section unnavigable.
With public venues like the Chepauk stadium in the vicinity, the road sees heavy traffic on days and it is vital to strengthen pedestrian infrastructure near places like one of the few sporting venues in the city that sees heavy footfall.
—If you have been robbed of your pavement, write to us. Send us a note and a picture, and we will carry it in this column. Email us at citizen.dtnext@dt.co.in
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