Pedestrians forced onto roads

Sir,

I wish to bring to light the increasing encroachment of footpaths in our city, which is causing serious inconvenience to pedestrians. What is meant to be a safe space for walking has been turned into private extensions by various sections of society.

In front of posh houses, footpaths are often converted into decorative gardens, forcing walkers onto the road. Smaller houses extend their garages onto footpaths, leaving little or no space for pedestrians.

Commercial establishments use sidewalks as storage areas, while street vendors set up stalls, turning footpaths into makeshift markets.

Additionally, many houses construct ramps and steps to prevent water from entering their premises. This disrupts natural drainage and worsens water-logging during rains.

Apart from these issues, another major concern is the dumping of construction materials and the erection of temporary structures on footpaths.

Many builders and homeowners leave sand, cement, bricks, and debris on sidewalks for extended periods, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads.

Footpaths are meant for pedestrians, yet their misuse forces people onto traffic-heavy roads, leading to congestion and posing safety risks, especially for children and the elderly.

I urge the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to clear footpaths of such encroachments and ensure safe pedestrian movement across our city. Regular inspections can help restore footpaths to their intended purpose.

— Shobana Jacob,  Contour Road, Mysuru,  4.7.2025

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