Citizen Connect: Footpath parking and encroachment in Ekkaduthangal irks pedestrians
The encroachment of footpaths in Ekkaduthangal has been a long pending woe of the pedestrians and residents of the locality. While motorbikes parked on the footpaths leave no place for pedestrians, hawkers worsen the problem by selling goods on footpaths. Flower and fruit vendors and others with makeshift shops occupy the footpaths in the area.
By : migrator
Update: 2019-03-10 23:05 GMT
Chennai
Footpaths on Ambal Nagar Main Road in Ekkaduthangal are in a pathetic state. The streets are crowded, mainly because of the vehicles parked alongside the road. Footpaths have no space left to walk. Every available space is either encroached by hawkers or by big shops who use the footpath to exhibit their goods. I strongly urge the authorities concerned to take action immediately,” said S Karpagam, a resident of Ambal Nagar.
The footpaths were recently revamped in the locality, but it did not take much time for vendors to occupy the walking space. There are broken cement blocks and waste is strewn all around just within a month after the renovation.
“Various restaurants in the neighbourhood use footpaths as parking space for customers. They dispose of the garbage on the footpaths after they close the shops at night. The condition has worsened as bricks have broken at many places. The hawkers and motorbikes parked on the pavement have damaged it. Some of the eateries have made them into their seating area,” said G Prakash, a pedestrian.
Despite various complaints by pedestrians and residents of the locality, officers have not resolved the issue. Pavements are too narrow to provide enough walking space and people are forced to walk on the roads.
“Tipplers are seen lying on the footpath in an inebriated state all through the day as there is a Tasmac shop on Jawaharlal Nehru Road in Ekkaduthangal. There are other tea shops, puncture and shoe repair units, too. Even after the authorities remove the encroachments, there are vendors who remove their makeshift shops immediately and set them up after some time,” said another pedestrian, G Revathi.
When contacted, zonal officials said that the footpaths are being renovated and all the damages will be repaired. However, it is the responsibility of the public to maintain the quality of pavements. We will ensure action for the same,” said the official.
If you notice any civic issues unattended by authorities, please write to us with a photograph at citizen.dtnext@dt.co.in
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android