Encroachment on footpaths putting pedestrians at risk

Irrespective of development works executed or planned in Dehradun, pedestrians here continue to complain about the conditions of footpaths in the city. 

Due to encroachments on the footpaths and other issues, most pedestrians walk on the roads instead of using the footpaths. “Walking on the road has now become a challenge in itself as hit and run cases have become so common these days. Civic works should be completed on time,” said housewife Reema, complaining about a stretch of Rajpur Road being dug up and left without repairs near St Joseph’s Academy.

“Footpaths near Darshanlal Chowk and Tehsil are not available to the pedestrians most of the times. They remain occupied by vendors and other traders,” said college student Mahima Thapa. “The foot over-bridge over the Tehsil Chowk may prove beneficial for pedestrians but the condition of footpaths and roads is not good enough to even walk due to encroachments by traders or increasing number of vehicles parked right on the roads,” she added.

People also witness the same in other localities like Ballupur Road, Rajendranagar and Kanwali Road among other areas. “Parking vehicles outside shops is improper as they cover most of the areas meant for pedestrians. Things remain in order for a few days if anybody complains but deteriorate after a few days,” complained housewife Sandhya Joshi, resident of Govindgarh.

“Pedestrians face major problems while walking in Paltan Bazaar. Things are in a mess, the worst perhaps in the city. We wonder whether the problem would ever be   solved here. The rising number of the people roaming around the marketplace is compounding the problem,” said a shopper here. Pedestrians face problems even at the major intersections like Survey Chowk, Dilaram Chowk, Ballupur Chowk and Balliwala Chowk. This aside, the busy traffic has to be kept in mind, said local resident Piyush Tiwari.

“People often complain of encroachment on the roads. We do our best to keep the roads free of encroachment,” said a policeman. However, another policeman  posted at Dilaram Chowk said it is duty of the municipal corporation to  prevent and  remove such encroachments.