Hyderabad residents demand action as footpaths become a space for everything but walking

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Mohammed Rayees 26 Feb 2025 9:58 PM

News in short:

Footpaths in Hyderabad are facing a major crisis, becoming unusable for pedestrians due to various encroachments. Street vendors, illegally parked vehicles, and even construction debris have taken over the sidewalks, leaving little space for walking. The situation is further aggravated by open defecation, adding to the unsanitary conditions. Citizens have taken to social media, tagging the GHMC and demanding action. The issue highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to infrastructure development, including underground utilities and aesthetic considerations to prevent encroachments. The lack of pedestrian-friendly pathways in many areas, like the Gachibowli Miyapur stretch and the Tarnaka-Habsiguda road, pose a safety hazard to pedestrians, especially during peak hours.

Hyderabad: Citizens of Hyderabad complain that the footpaths are often more of an obstacle than a convenience for pedestrians. Though these sidewalks were designed for people to walk, these are increasingly becoming a space for everything but walking.

From street vendors setting up their stalls to illegally parked vehicles and even dumping of construction materials, the footpaths have been occupied by others. When the pavement is not occupied, it remains unusable due to the stinking smell caused by people answering nature’s call on it.

The citizens have been sharing their grievances on social media and tagging the GHMC while requesting officials to address the issue of pedestrians.

Residents raise concerns over encroached bus stop at Kavadiguda, Secunderabad

Hyderabad Mojo, which shares frequently about the infrastructure changes in the city on its X handle, wrote that the Telangana government should develop underground (UG) power cable network in Hyderabad.

“Had raised this during the previous govt. as well.

Govt. currently has a proposal to make power cables underground. This needs to be expanded in scope to include all utilities and cover street infrastructure with some thought for aesthetics and importantly, without any encroachments.

These are some of the basics that most Indian cities seem to lack,” Hyderabad Mojo tweeted.

Had raised this during the previous govt. as well.

Govt. currently has a proposal to make power cables underground. This needs to be expanded in scope to include all utilities and cover street infrastructure with some thought for aesthetics and importantly, without any…

— Hyderabad Mojo (@HyderabadMojo) February 16, 2025

“A city that has no footpaths or pedestrian pathways is a failed city. India has extremely poor quality infrastructure for life imo. Example: Gachibowli Miyapur stretch has so many people walking by foot and not one place has a proper pedestrian pathway,” commented an X user.

People on the Tarnaka-Habsiguda road face difficulties in reaching the Tarnaka bus stop. Sometimes, they have to share the road meant for fast-moving vehicles. Not just adults, even children and elders are finding it hard to navigate through heavy traffic and vehicles, especially during peak hours.