Broken footpaths littered with concrete slabs increase the risk of injury for the pedestrians of Plain Street in Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru.
Broken concrete slabs piled up on the footpath have forced pedestrians to walk on the road during peak traffic hours. The footpaths have not been repaired in a long time. The footpath has vehicles parked on it, piles of broken slabs and garbage that emits a foul smell, making it extremely difficult for pedestrians to walk on it.
Imtiaz Pasha, a social worker of Shivaji Nagar says, “BBMP people take Rs.3000 from every building and Rs.7000 from hotel for collecting garbage, they are still not collecting it properly. They have filed many complains at BBMP office.” Andro, a student studying at B.B.M.P Boys College says, “There is a broken footpath which is causing a lot of trouble to us, the garbage which is dump here is spreading infection and there is a lot of awful smell when we pass by.” The residents of the area have filed complaints against the broken slabs being piled up on the footpath which might cause injury to the pedestrians.
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Public Relation Officer said, “Footpath and broken slabs will be removed. Pedestrians have complained against various departments, and actions will be taken accordingly.” There is a construction going on the footpath for the last two month to replace the old pipelines but the construction has not been finished. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) say that they will complete the construction of the pipeline within a few days.
Anil Bhaskaran an urban planner says, “These kind of specific issues occur because your planning is not done correctly. The up-gradation or the renovation or the repair work has to been done periodically. Repair work should happen at night time in order to avoid disturbance to the traffic and the pedestrians during the day. Also, the slabs should come in ready to install condition”.
