The absence of proper footpaths and encroachment of pavements in most parts of Hyderabad is putting the lives of pedestrians, especially senior citizens, at risk. Despite special drives by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and the city police against encroachments and illegal structures, footpaths continue to be encroached by vendors, parking, dump yards and unused toilets. Pedestrians are left with no safe place to walk, with the entire footpaths covered in encroachments, garbage and parked vehicles.
The issue of encroachment on the pavements persists due to the absence of stringent laws, and steps to impose fines are being initiated. However, encroachers continue to rule the roost, especially in major areas like Ameerpet, Banjara Hills, Punjagutta, Khairatabad, Lakdikapul, Koti, Abids, Nampally, Himayatnagar, Begum Bazar and the Old City.
Although the city police have intensified their drive against encroachments under Operation Rope and demolished hundreds of encroachments across the city, social activists blame the drive for only being on major roads, with other roads across the city remaining the same. The Hyderabad Metro Rail has also encroached on pavements to commercialise the space, further aggravating the situation.
According to GHMC officials, the civic body spent INR 60 crore for construction and maintenance of footpaths from 2019-20 to 2021-22, and has earmarked INR 31 crore for construction of footpaths in 2022-23. Works worth INR 10 crore have already been completed, while the rest are in progress to enhance the safety of pedestrians and develop footpaths at all feasible locations.
