Dug-up Nanganallur road pushes out pedestrians from sidewalks

A small section of the road has been dug up, forcing those on foot to take to the streets. The entire length of the road also sees many shops that have completely encroached the pavements. The only functional section of the pavements too is extremely narrow and does not allow the pedestrians to walk freely.

Objects such as junction boxes and the odd bollard are also placed at locations that hamper walking and usage of pavements. The sidewalks are also used as parking spots by shop employees and customers and even as a substitute for a window display in some instances.

Sridhar, a resident, says, “I don’t think anyone has even considered the needs of the pedestrians. Even we have not really pushed for any changes. People just use the road when someone is encroaching the pavement. There should also be more awareness and pressure from people on their right to using the road safely.”

The biggest share of encroachments on this road are by the fruit and vegetable vendors. A market-like set up with rows of shops selling fruits and vegetables has taken up a significant section of the sidewalk. Pedestrians are forced to navigate by stepping on to the road and put themselves and others in danger as a result. 

Petty shops too take up sections of the sidewalk by setting up the products on show. The shops on the side of the temple including fruit and flower sellers are also complicit in the erosion of safe spaces for pedestrians. 

Nalini, a flower seller, says, “All the business I get is from people who visit the temple. I cannot go set up my stand in other places as there will not be many customers. I take up a very small space and I try not to cause any trouble. I have seen many large vehicles, too, park on pavements but only we get questioned.”

With every stakeholder providing their reasons for their presence on the sidewalk and the pedestrians not aggressively demanding their right, the situation may not see any change for a long time. The local authorities must work to create zones within a larger area for vendors so as to not affect their livelihood but also allow for the safe passage of pedestrians. Creative solutions that have active participation from the community is the only way to ensure any positive changes in the area.

—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