Bengaluru has initiated a “Safe Footpath Campaign,” running from July 1 to July 10, as per the announcement by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The campaign focuses on nearly 1,000 km of the city’s road network across its five corporations, with the objective of eliminating encroachments and restoring footpaths for pedestrians. This initiative aims to create safer and more accessible walking spaces for the public.

Actions Taken by Authorities

As part of this campaign, local authorities are taking steps to remove illegal parking on footpaths and dismantling obstructions including shop extensions, kiosks, chairs, and name boards that hinder pedestrian movement. Reports indicate that vehicles found parked on footpaths are being towed, and vendors or establishments that are encroaching on walkways are receiving notices prior to any enforcement actions.

The operation is being conducted in collaboration with municipal officers, enforcement teams, and police, adhering to regulations from the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, along with guidelines set forth by the Supreme Court. In addition to removing obstacles, repairs will be made to damaged slabs and kerbs to further enhance pedestrian safety in the city.

The GBA has highlighted that this initiative is crucial in a city where approximately 30 per cent of road accident fatalities involve pedestrians, asserting that safe walking spaces are a fundamental right as supported by the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the campaign complements the ongoing ‘#1KmChallenge’, which encourages citizens to choose walking over driving for short distances, contributing to a more pedestrian-friendly Bengaluru.

Anti-Encroachment Drives in Specific Areas

On the morning of July 1, an anti-encroachment drive was successfully executed in HBR Layout, which falls under the Sarvagnanagar division of the Bengaluru North City Corporation. Officials focused on clearing illegally occupied footpaths along 5th Cross, addressing concerns raised by residents who reported difficulties accessing the footpath due to obstructions.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials actively removed shop platforms, advertising boards, and other temporary structures that were obstructing pedestrian passage. They undertook this action following citizen complaints and in pursuit of reclaiming the footpath for public use. The operation was conducted with the assistance of police personnel who provided security to ensure the process was carried out smoothly.

Officials have cautioned that strict legal measures will be enforced if any encroachments reoccur. After the operation concluded, the cleared footpath was promptly reopened to the public, allowing pedestrians to utilise the space without hindrance. This ongoing commitment to regulating footpath usage reflects the authorities’ dedication to improving urban walkability across Bengaluru.

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