Hyderabad: GHMC lays footpaths, vendors occupy in no time

The GHMC seems to be at a loss over the problems posed by encroachers and squatters on footpaths. With 70 footpath works in progress at an estimated amount of `31.88 crore, its initiative is quite laudable; but, small-time vendors are taking over the newly laid footpaths in no time – while old occupants are simply refusing to budge

Hyderabad: The GHMC has taken the work on footpath with a vengeance to the extent that it has set a target to touch 715 km from the present 450 km. For the past two years, work on footpaths is going on at a frantic pace but small-time vendors are taking them over just after completion defeating the very purpose hassle-free commuting for pedestrians. Madhavan, a social activist and a strong votary for footpaths, says, "The GHMC needs to ensure that none encroaches the footpath. Merely constructing them will not help."

It may be noted that the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister, KT Rama Rao, earlier this month held a review meeting and observed that there was a need for sufficient footpaths in the city.

According to GHMC officials, footpaths of 10 km each would be constructed in all the zones. Speaking to The Hans India, Mohammed Ziauddin, Chief Engineer (Maintenance), GHMC, said, "There are two programmes under which the footpath construction work is being initiated – Comprehensive Road Maintenance Programme (CRMP) and Periodic Preventive Maintenance (PPM). A total of more than 1,000 km of footpath is to be constructed by June. Around 70 footpath works (77.83 km) are in progress with an estimated amount of Rs 31.88 crore."

He further added, "After the order from the MA&UD minister KT Rama Rao, the zonal commissioners are asked to construct 10km of footpath in each zone."

Under the CRMP programme, a total of 802 km of footpath would be constructed, out of which 435 km of footpath already exists, and a 171 km network is proposed and 196 km gap filling works would be taken up. Under the PPM programme, 715 km length of footpaths is already present. Besides, a 196-km footpath network has been proposed.

The officials are now also working on the widening of the footpaths and maintaining standard road width. This has been started in Banjara Hills, Road no: 1 from Virenchi Hospital to Masab Tank Junction to make it comfortable for the commuters to walk. The GHMC officials have also taken active participation in removal of footpath encroachments. Speaking of their measures, Viswajit Kampati, EVDM Director, said, "Around 17,000 footpath encroachments have been removed so far. We are actively working on this issue. However, in the future, we are planning to dedicate vending zones for the vendors. If any of the vendors are found outside vending zones, they will be fined heavily."

Around 17,000 footpath encroachments have been removed so far. We are actively working on this issue. However, in the future, we are planning to dedicate vending zones for the vendors. If any of the vendors are found outside vending zones, they will be fined heavily – Viswajit Kampati, EVDM Director