This dispute is brought into stark relief by a recent public interest litigation (PIL) that civic activist Qaneez Sukhrani filed in the Bombay High Court (HC), underscoring the precarious condition of pedestrians in the city.
Once designated solely for pedestrian traffic, the city’s sidewalks have turned into combat zones where hawkers, food vendors, construction detritus and disgruntled residents compete for space. This dispute is brought into stark relief by a recent public interest litigation (PIL) that civic activist Qaneez Sukhrani filed in the Bombay High Court (HC), underscoring the precarious situation of pedestrians in the city.
According to the PIL, pedestrians must negotiate a labyrinth of barriers as hawkers, food vendors, trash, and even building materials intrude upon pathways. Unplanned excavation and trash disposal worsen the issue by pushing pedestrians onto the roadways and endangering their safety. The Indian Road Congress regulations (IRC 103 of 2012), which have been flagrantly disregarded, have turned walkways into chaotic, useless areas. Sukhrani says, “The High Court understands the criticality of this situation,” expressing cautious optimism. She claims that IRC rules are being violated and pedestrian rights are being disregarded. Sukhrani is aware that the fight is far from over, even if the High Court has given the Pune Municipal Corporation two weeks to respond to its affidavit submissions.
Nobody can fail to see irony in the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) celebration of “Pedestrians’ Day” when their fundamental right to safe passage is disregarded. The town planning department and PMC are legally required to build appropriate pedestrian infrastructure, such as walkways, subways, and zebra crossings, as advocate Satya Muley notes. Article 243 (W) of the Constitution, which ensures all citizens have free and secure movement, is violated by their inaction.
The deputy commissioner of the anti-encroachment department, Madhav Jagtap, recognises the seriousness of the situation. In response to the question of parking spots being unlawfully rented out to vendors, he underlines that hawkers must have the necessary authorization before operating. “People swarm to these areas, but these vendors require authorization,” he says, vowing to take legal action against those who break the law.
All pertinent authorities have been instructed by the Bombay High Court to submit affidavits by December 27, 2023. But the path ahead calls for cooperation from the government, street vendors, and the general public. A few positive efforts include designated vending zones, appropriate infrastructural construction, and awareness campaigns. In the end, attending to the requirements of both pedestrians and hawkers will be necessary to restore Pune’s walkways to their original function.
