The Deccan Chronicle 13.09.2010
GHMC stirs after SHRC prodSept. 12: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to restore footpaths or pavements in the city so that pedestrians have some place to walk safely. Earlier attempts to do this have fizzled out mid-way, but this time the GHMC may be compelled to act.
The civic body's concern for pedestrians comes after a complaint to the Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission about the misuse of pavements and the civic body’s indifference to the plight of pedestrians.
Ms Kanthimathi Kannan, founder president of Right to Walk Foundation, an NGO, approached the APSHRC stating that despite complaints being lodged with the GHMC, clear walking space on footpaths was not available for pedestrians.
Responding to the petition, the commission asked the GHMC about its action plan to make footpaths pedestrian-friendly. The GHMC sprang into action and proposed a footpaths restoration project, which will partly be privately funded. The GHMC proposes to remove encroachments like poles, shops and even trees that obstruct the right of way of pedestrians, widen the footpaths and work out strategies to stop people from using them as urinals.
Given the GHMC’s poor record in implementing its own plans, there is scepticism about whether it will really act this time or whether this is just a game-plan to mollify the SHRC.
