#FreeOurFootpaths was initiated to highlight the terrible state of the footpaths in Mumbai to the officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
A screengrab of the video shared by mid-day on Twitter
Footpaths were made for easy movement for pedestrians. With Mumbaikars having through multiple hindrances on their way to their destinations, illegal encroachments on footpaths outside schools, colleges, railway stations and the crowd it attracts are one of them that makes moving from one place to a Herculean task.
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The footpaths in Worli are either in bad condition or have two-wheelers parked over it. How are pedestrians suppose to walk on such footpaths?
— mid-day (@mid_day) January 21, 2020
@MNCDFbombay @RoadsOfMumbai
Use hashtag #FreeOurFootpaths and share videos or pictures if you are facing similar issues. https://t.co/UFJ3pCa3bb
As per statistics in 2016, 51 per cent of commuters' daily trips are on foot in Mumbai. As they walk on open roads, it makes them open to dangers of being victims of road accidents. As per a study conducted by Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) in collaboration with the Mumbai Traffic Police, 51 percent of road accident victims are pedestrians. Thus the Mumbai North Central District Forum (MNCDF) in association with mid-day.com joined hands with Roads of Mumbai for a campaign urging the BMC to take necessary actions on illegal encroachments and free the footpaths for the pedestrians.
Thank U @MNSPrashantRane !
— M.N.C.D.F (@MNCDFbombay) January 28, 2020
We are happy to share that the awareness created about the issue through #FreeOurFootpaths campaign by us in collaboration with @RoadsOfMumbai & @Midday has lead to Prashant ensuring action was taken. Welcome efforts & action. https://t.co/FekYvx1tej https://t.co/6PJkua1jPf
#FreeOurFootpaths was initiated to highlight the terrible state of the footpaths in Mumbai to the officials of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). And in order to highlight the issue, 10 videos submitted by Mumbaikars showing the deplorable conditions of the footpaths of their areas were selected to bring to the BMC’s notice. Most of the videos showed the encroachment by illegal hawkers, that forced pedestrians to walk on the roads. Other than illegal hawkers, the videos also highlighted the illegal hoarding on footpaths, vehicles parked on them and their bad conditions.
Watch Video |
— mid-day (@mid_day) January 22, 2020
Illegal sign board and parking has blocked the footpath below Versova Metro Station.#FreeOurFootpaths campaign an initiative by @MNCDFbombay and @RoadsOfMumbai pic.twitter.com/OdH2CXV9z1
Considering that it became risky for senior citizens, pregnant woman and differently-abled citizens to walk, BMC did attend the escalations in few cases. But their actions to remove the hawkers permanently found to be weak as they made a comeback at the same spot the very next day, making life miserable for all the pedestrians.
Watch Video |
— mid-day (@mid_day) January 20, 2020
School kids find it difficult to use the footpath outside OES School, Oshiwara, Andheri West, which has been encroached by illegal hawkers and compelled to use roads which can lead to accidents.#FreeOurFootpaths an initiative by @MNCDFbombay and @RoadsOfMumbai pic.twitter.com/T9ZTu0THzF
The nexus BMC officials and the police have with the hawkers boosts their confidence to carry out their business. Thus, the issue of illegal hawking menace should be addressed for the civic officials to take stricter measures on the hawkers. The government must be pressurised to implement stringer laws to make footpaths safer for pedestrians.
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