Sir,

The issue of footpath encroachment has surfaced time and again in Mysuru. It is a widespread menace where most footpaths are not only taken over by vegetable vendors but also spill onto the roads, forcing pedestrians to walk on the carriageway — making them sitting ducks for fatal accidents.

The latest tragedy occurred at Vivekananda Circle near Srirampura Main Road when a KSRTC bus knocked down a scooterist, killing him on the spot (Shops eat up… Roads!, SOM dated July 31).

It is a familiar pattern: Whenever there is a public outcry, the Police swing into action to clear the encroachments, only for them to return once the issue fades from public memory.

Hawker zones must be identified and created, and strict enforcement ensured so that footpaths remain free for pedestrians.

Encroachment is an all-India problem, and a significant number of pedestrian deaths are directly linked to it. Data indicates that a substantial percentage of fatalities occur because pedestrians are forced to walk on roads due to obstructed or non-existent footpaths.

The Supreme Court has also taken up this issue, emphasising the right to unobstructed footpaths under Article 21 of the Constitution.

National statistics reveal that between 2019 and 2023, 1.5 lakh pedestrians lost their lives in road crashes caused by footpath encroachments.

– H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 31.7.2025

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