Lack of footpaths and badly constructed footpaths has adversely affected the citizens of Bangalore especially in the new wards and in many cases, pedestrians have become victims of over speeding vehicles, leading to injuries and sometimes even death. Apart from this, lack of footpaths has resulted in the slow movement of traffic in many areas of the city thereby, leading to confrontation between the motorists and the common man. It is a common sight wherever one goes to see footpaths in a shambles. But in that case why can’t the footpaths be rebuilt again? Another major question that arises in the minds of the people is: Why is the BBMP not focusing on those wards where there are no footpaths? And, most importantly where does the funds go? Swetha, a resident of Uttarahalli rues, “There are absolutely no footpaths in our area and people walk on the roads itself. This leads to accidents. Aren’t we paying the taxes every year and why this step motherly treatment by the city fathers when it comes to new wards?”
Voicing a similar opinion, Nidhi Upadhya, resident of Yelchenahalli said, “One cannot walk on the footpaths and it is not properly maintained. The footpaths has become a garbage dump for all sorts in our area”. Areas such as Arehalli, Poornaprajna Layout, Channasandra, BGS Health City, Yelchenahalli, Jaraganahalli etc have no footpath, though this residential area has a plethora of educational institutions including five engineering colleges. The road from Uttarahalli circle leading to Kengeri is inundated with heavy traffic because of the Mysore Road traffic being diverted to Uttarhalli Road and for the pedestrians it is a nightmare as the area completely lack footpaths. With BMTC Depot No. 33 located in the vicinity, it has further worsened the situation as morning till evening, the movement of buses is frequent causing a big problem for the residents. Hence, people walking on the roads have lately become victims in road accidents.
K Ramesh Raju, Councillor of Uttarahalli ward, said, “We have received approved from the State Government for road widening works from Uttarahalli circle to Kengeri. Hence, till date, the footpaths has not been laid. If at all we take up this work, it will have to be demolished again. Why unnecessarily waste BBMP money?” he argued.
“Only a few roads in our area do not have footpaths since the roads are very narrow. If at all, there is debris or garbage on the roads, but we see to it that it is cleared as early as possible”, said Suguna Balakrishna, Councillor of Jaraganahalli. Though the councillor claims that there are footpaths, many residents complain lack of footpaths in their area. The story is the same wherever one traverses in the new wards as there are no footpaths at all. Even today, the BBMP has been concentrating all its efforts in the old wards. Some areas in the heart of the city witnesses destruction of good, well laid out footpaths every year and relaying it again just because the alloted funds have to be spent. While, on the other hand, rest of the areas, especially in the new wards, there are no footpaths and where there is a semblance of a walkaway, even that has been allowed to deteriorate or occupied by encroachers.
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