Rampant occupation of sidewalks, roads pose a safety threat to pedestrians

A shop has completely encroached on the sidewalks of Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road owned by GCDA. |Picture source: H. Vibhu

At a meeting of Kanayannur Taluk Vikasana Samithi, more and more urban sidewalks encroach on population and their direct suburbs. Stakeholders expressed concern about the worsening of the violations in stores and kiosks, especially at Kaloor, Kathrikadavu, Pullepady, Thammanam and Pallimukku in the meeting.

They also criticized the automatic rickshaw stalls, which emerged in the city and areas under the city of Malad and Thripunithura, hindered sidewalks and sidewalks and posed a threat to the safety of pedestrians and motorists.

The Kerala High Court has repeatedly severed the Kochi Company, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and other agencies to invalidate the issue. “It is a pity to see that the invaders have wild days on both sides of countless roads in the Great Kochi area. This requires the civic agencies, as well as Cochin Smart Mission Limited and Kochi Metro Rail Limited, to redevelop sidewalks and drains on arteries and pathways.

An invading sidewalk on Thammanam-Pullepady Road. |Picture source: H. Vibhu

“The city is very demanding seamless sidewalks, drainage pipes and related infrastructure built in accordance with standard street manuals and pedestrian-friendly norms so that everyone can walk safely. This in itself will allow the invaders to a large extent,” he added.

The president of Ernakulam Vikasana Samithi, who has been opposing sidewalks and road encroachment, talked about how seniors are now afraid to take risks from their homes due to the worsening sidewalks.

“As time goes by, the threat posed by the invaders has been increasing as civic agencies have not taken action to stop the structure of public spaces. All of this is still happening despite the High Court directing it to be removed. The company no longer makes repeated assurances like the recently announced Walkable Project, but should act on them,” he said.

Mayor M. Anilkumar said in response to the question that the company would act in accordance with directives issued by the High Court in this regard. Regarding stores and other agencies’ encroachment on the sidewalk along Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road, GCDA sources said the agency had issued notices to store stores three months ago and cleaned up everything from the trails including the board. They added: “If encroached, we will initiate action.”