top of page
Search

The Struggles of Nagpur’s Footpaths: Encroachments, Hazards, and Hopes for Change

Poor Footpaths in Nagpur
Poor Footpaths in Nagpur

Nagpur, often referred to as the "Orange City," is known for its developmental strides. However, one glaring issue that continues to plague its urban infrastructure is the poor condition of footpaths.


From rampant encroachments to structural collapses, the state of pedestrian pathways in Nagpur is both a reflection of urban neglect and a call to action for local authorities.


This article delves into the challenges faced by pedestrians in Nagpur, the legal and civic efforts to address these issues, and the potential road to improvement.

 



Frequent Digging and Reconstruction of Footpaths


One of the persistent challenges contributing to the poor state of footpaths in Nagpur is the frequent digging and reconstruction of these pedestrian pathways.


This recurring activity is often attributed to the lack of coordination between different departments such as the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), utility providers, and private contractors.

Nagpur's footpaths are frequently dug up for laying cables, pipelines, and other utilities, often without a long-term restoration plan.


In many cases, footpaths that are newly constructed or repaired are dismantled within months for additional underground work, resulting in a waste of public funds and inconvenience to pedestrians.


The constant digging leads to uneven surfaces and open trenches, posing safety hazards, particularly during the monsoon season.

 

In areas like Sitabuldi and Dharampeth, residents have complained about unfinished reconstruction work, which forces pedestrians to walk on busy roads, increasing the risk of accidents.

Another significant issue is the delay in completing reconstruction work after the digging is done. Temporary fixes, such as filling trenches with loose soil or leaving them uncovered, are common.


These makeshift solutions not only fail to address the problem but also create additional challenges for pedestrians and vehicles.


Experts and urban planners have called for an integrated approach to minimise frequent digging. By aligning utility work with urban development projects and ensuring timely restoration, authorities can save resources and improve pedestrian safety.



The Daily Struggle of Nagpur’s Pedestrians

Poor Footpath Infrastructure in Nagpur
Poor Footpath Infrastructure in Nagpur

Footpaths are the lifeline of a city's pedestrian traffic, offering a safe haven from the perils of roadways. Yet, in Nagpur, these vital spaces have become battlegrounds of encroachment, poor maintenance, and administrative apathy.

 

The Bombay High Court's Nagpur bench has highlighted this issue on numerous occasions, urging the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the police to take decisive action against illegal occupations and poor upkeep.

 

Despite these directives, the city's pedestrians continue to face daily challenges.


Encroachments: A Persistent Issue


One of the most significant problems plaguing Nagpur's footpaths is encroachment. Vendors, food stalls, and even construction activities often take over these pedestrian spaces.

 

In Trimurti Nagar, for instance, the encroachment of footpaths by vendors and food stalls became such a nuisance that residents had to step in.

 

The Trimurti Nagar Residents Action Wing successfully persuaded encroachers to limit their activities, but such initiatives should not have to rely solely on citizen intervention.

 

In another instance, a builder encroached upon a 200-metre stretch of footpath, cycling track, stormwater drain, and plantation space in Khamla, under the London/Orange City Street Project.

Despite awareness of this blatant misuse of public space, the NMC failed to act, further exacerbating the problem.



Structural Neglect and Safety Concerns


Poor maintenance of footpaths in Nagpur is not just an inconvenience but a significant safety hazard. This issue came to the forefront when continuous heavy rains led to the collapse of a footpath in Subhash Nagar, creating a massive hole and endangering pedestrians.

 

While the NMC erected barricades to mitigate immediate risks, such reactive measures are far from addressing the root cause.

The lack of regular inspections and maintenance is evident in the crumbling infrastructure.

Uneven surfaces, missing tiles, and waterlogging are commonplace, making the footpaths unusable for elderly citizens and people with disabilities.



Legal and Civic Actions


The judiciary has played a pivotal role in drawing attention to Nagpur's footpath woes. The Bombay High Court has not only directed the NMC to provide updates on footpath conditions but also questioned the legal authority of traffic police in removing encroachments.


These interventions highlight the need for clear mandates and accountability among various administrative bodies.


An 86-year-old citizen further brought the issue to the court's attention through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), emphasising the challenges pedestrians face due to encroachments and neglect. This legal step underscores the pressing need for systemic reforms.


Civic Engagement


While legal actions are essential, the role of civic engagement cannot be understated.


Residents and local action groups have taken it upon themselves to ensure that footpaths are usable. However, such efforts are often fragmented and cannot replace the need for institutional accountability.



The Impact of Poor Footpaths


The consequences of inadequate footpaths extend beyond inconvenience.

  1. Safety Risks: Collapsed footpaths and uneven surfaces pose serious risks of injury, particularly for the elderly and children.

  2. Traffic Congestion: Encroachments on footpaths force pedestrians onto roads, increasing the risk of accidents and contributing to traffic congestion.

  3. Environmental Concerns: The encroachment of green spaces along footpaths, as seen in Khamla, affects the city's ecological balance.


Steps Towards Improvement


The NMC has initiated several projects aimed at improving the city's infrastructure. The construction of 33 new cement roads and the proposal for two flyovers on the Inner Ring Road are steps in the right direction.


However, these projects must incorporate pedestrian-friendly designs, ensuring that footpaths are not an afterthought.


Policy Reforms


  1. Clear Jurisdiction: The High Court's questioning of the traffic police's authority in handling footpath encroachments highlights the need for well-defined roles among civic bodies.

  2. Regular Inspections: Scheduled inspections and maintenance must become a norm to ensure the longevity and safety of footpaths.

  3. Public Participation: Encouraging citizen feedback through digital platforms can help authorities prioritise areas requiring urgent attention.


Awareness Campaigns


Educating the public about the importance of footpaths and the hazards of encroachment can foster a collective sense of responsibility.


Awareness campaigns can also deter vendors and builders from misusing these spaces.


A Path Forward for Nagpur


The condition of footpaths in Nagpur presents a complex narrative of urban growth, administrative challenges, and public behaviour.


While efforts by the authorities and judiciary highlight attempts to address the issue, the persistence of encroachments and neglect suggests there is much more to be done.

This situation calls for reflection: Are we, as citizens, contributing to the problem through apathy or misuse of public spaces? Are the authorities doing enough to ensure pedestrian safety and urban accessibility? The answers may vary depending on individual experiences and perspectives.


Ultimately, the state of Nagpur’s footpaths is not just a matter of infrastructure but a mirror reflecting the city’s collective priorities and responsibilities.


It is up to each individual to observe, question, and form their own opinions about what these footpaths say about the city's progress and the shared role of its residents and authorities in shaping its future.


References


 

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating

About the Author

The NewsDirt is a trusted source for authentic, ground-level journalism, highlighting the daily struggles, public issues, history, and local stories from Vidarbha’s cities, towns, and villages. Committed to amplifying voices often ignored by mainstream media, we bring you reliable, factual, and impactful reporting from Vidarbha’s grassroots.

bottom of page