Rampant encroachments pose a safety threat to pedestrians—stakeholders express concern

A shop has fully encroached on the footpath of the GCDA-owned Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road.

The increasing number of encroachments on footpaths and roads in Kochi city and its immediate suburbs were the key issues raised at a recent meeting of the Kanayannur Taluk Vikasana Samithi. Stakeholders expressed concern over worsening encroachments by shops and kiosks, especially at Kaloor, Kathrikadavu, Pullepady, Thammanam, and Pallimukku at the meeting.

They were also critical of autorickshaw stands that have cropped up in the city and in areas under Maradu and Thripunithura municipalities, obstructing footpaths and pavements and posing a threat to the safety of pedestrians and motorists.

Dr D Dhanuraj, Founder-Chairman of Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), in speaking to The Hindu on the topic, shared his insights.

“It is sad to see that encroachers are having a field day on either side of innumerable roads in the Greater Kochi area. This calls for a coordinated effort by civic agencies, as well as by Cochin Smart Mission Limited and Kochi Metro Rail Limited, which have been redeveloping footpaths and drains on arterial and side roads,”

Dhanuraj is quoted as saying.

“The city badly needs seamless footpaths, drains, and allied infrastructure built as per a standardised street manual and pedestrian-friendly norms so that all sections of people can walk safely. This, in itself, will keep encroachers at bay to a large extent,”

he further added.

Read the full article by The Hindu here.

Views expressed by the author are personal and need not reflect or represent the views of the Centre for Public Policy Research.