Delhi LG Najeeb Jung orders drive to clear footpaths

NEW DELHI: Concerned about the increase in pedestrian deaths, the traffic police has decided to launch a drive to clear encroachments from footpaths in the city. The move follows a review meeting in which lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung asked the force to ensure at least one-metre walking space is available along Delhi roads.

The traffic police has appealed to the public, through their Facebook page, to upload photographs of encroached sidewalks on the anti-corruption helpline, 8750871493. These photographs will be shared with the local police and civic agency concerned, and a drive conducted to clear these. "We will take strict action against encroachers," said a traffic officer.

Traffic officials said the initiative was taken on priority basis after several incidents of accidents involving pedestrians walking on the road were reported. A police officer said, as a start, stretches such as Sardar Patel Marg, Rao Tula Ram Marg, BRT and Outer Ring Road have been identified for the drive.

Traffic police has also written to the road transport ministry to include a provision in the road safety bill for mandatory encumbrance free "one-metre pavement" along all city and urban roads in India.

"Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users in urban areas and in Delhi pedestrians are involved in 41% of total accidents in the city. So far, 749 pedestrian have lost their lives in road accidents this year," said a traffic police official.

"We will be launching the drive against illegal encroachments and will focus on areas identified by the public," said Muktesh Chander, special commissioner of police (traffic).

A traffic official said most encroachments were found to be occurring due to illegal constructions, obstructive parking and faulty designs. He said stretches which do not have a continuous footpath have also been marked to civic bodies.

"We will remove obstructive parking on these stretches and stop vendors from encroaching into the right of way," said a traffic police official. Strict actions will also be taken against those riding two-wheelers on pavements.