BMC must reconsider allowing footpath stalls

File pic

In a report that should resonate with a large section of people, the Bombay High Court recently heard a petition filed by an NGO, challenging the BMC's decision to allow stall owners to set up shops on footpaths.

The high court noted that there was an issue regarding proper use of footpaths which are meant for pedestrians. As per the report, the court had said that if the corporation permits any stall owner to erect a shop on the footpath, then the corporation is prima facie acting against public interest. The HC directed the BMC to reconsider its decision.

It is baffling that the civic body, which wants footpaths free for pedestrians and does carry out drives, is in favour of stalls on the footpath. Footpaths are for pedestrians; that is a no-brainer. And the roads are already narrowed because of parking. Two-wheelers are often seen lined up on several interior roads.
Hawkers, different structures on the roads, and stalls - unfortunately, Mumbaikars seem to have gotten used to their footpaths simply eaten up by different people, and the fact that they will have to walk on roads.

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This has become so common that it is considered part and parcel of life. Pedestrians have no rights in the city - from crossing roads where there is signal breakage, endangering them, to walking inches away from vehicles.

A serious pedestrian rights movement which is well thought out, long-term and visionary needs to take off, with leaders from different fields pressuring the authorities to give them back their space. Ad hoc campaigns, blips on the radar, decisions like these do nothing for reclaiming footpaths. We have seen all things fail and now need some kind of revolution using both social media and groundwork. It is tragic that citizens need to fight for something that is a given. The takeover of footpaths is a familiar and shameful aspect.