PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Encroachment of footpaths by vendors and others in the city, especially in markets like Hanuman Chowk, Raja Road and Paltan Bazaar, is being questioned by the citizens. Locals state that pathways meant for pedestrians have been taken over by vendors and even shopkeepers displaying their goods on the footpath. With footpaths now in use for vending and four-wheeler traffic increasing on the roads, pedestrians are left with no free or comfortable space to walk.
Shopper Santosh Negi said that she frequently visits the city’s major markets including Hanuman Chowk, Paltan Bazaar and other sites. She said that while footpaths have been built in these markets, they are not serving the purpose for which they were made. “Footpaths in the city markets have become a place for vendors to set up stalls and shopkeepers to display products but not for us to walk on. The walking problem for us in the market has become a serious issue,” she said.
Another shopper not wanting to be named said that the condition of the markets is deteriorating. “Footpaths are made in the market for shoppers like us to walk comfortably and also to prevent accidents. Here the footpaths are encroached upon and roads are full of traffic, which leaves shoppers like us to walk uncomfortably amid the hassle of vehicles,” he said.
Senior citizen Harjendra Singh said other senior citizens are unable to visit the markets as walking space for shopping is full of hassle. “The authorities made footpaths for walking and they have been encroached upon. This matter is very serious and the authorities should act on it and resolve such problems immediately,” he said.
