Sanjaynagar residents launch campaign demanding footpaths

Residents of Sanjaynagar launched a campaign against the lack of footpaths and walking space in the area.

On Sunday, hundreds of people formed a human chain demanding their 'right to walk'.

The campaign, 'Adjust Beda, Footpath Beku' (No adjustment, we want footpaths), started at 9.30 am from the Radhakrishna temple in the locality.

Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad came to address the concerns of the campaigners.

The residents raised many queries about the condition of roads and footpath. They complained about the pathetic condition of the footpath.

"In our area, there are many senior citizens who need proper footpath to walk. I have seen many people falling down while walking on the footpath and being hospitalised. Hence, we organised the campaign, so that the authorities could construct pedestrian-friendly footpaths," said Vignan Gowda, member of CiFOS (Citizens for Sustainability).

Recently, CiFOS in collaboration with Directorate of Urban Land Transport(DULT) and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) constructed 100-metre model footpath on Sanjaynagar main road.

"The road is entirely commercialised. When we were redesigning the footpath, business establishments were worried about losing business. Hence, a few business establishments are opposing for redesigning the footpath because they are scared of losing their parking space on the footpath," Vignan added.

Manoj Kumar, a resident said, "We are asking for better pavements for our children and the senior citizens. Many business establishments and roadside vendors have occupied the walking space."

BBMP Commissioner N Manjunath Prasad said, "I have offered my support for the footpath project. But some commercial establishments are against this as the space for parking vehicles will be lost and they will have to lose their business. But we will make sure that the project will be done soon."