Bombay High Court directs BMC to make footpaths accessible for pedestrians in Mumbai

The Bombay High Court recently took action on the issue of footpaths in the city, which are not accessible for pedestrians. The court directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to remove encroachments by unlicensed hawkers. The court also asked to provide an affidavit by March 1 outlining the specific problems and proposed solutions.

The BMC responded to the court's request by informing them that the corporation is actively working to remove the hawkers and are establishing specific hawking zones. The court appreciated the steps taken by the BMC, but noted that the footpaths in the city are still narrow and difficult for pedestrians to navigate due to the presence of hawkers.

The court expressed its concern about the current state of the footpaths and emphasised the importance of making them walkable. Additionally, the court raised the issue of paver blocks causing difficulties for pedestrians, and suggested that the technical difficulties with these blocks be examined by the engineering department. The matter was posted for further hearing on March 3.

The high court heard a plea from two shop owners in November 2022 and took suo motu notice of the encroachments on public pathways and accessways. The BMC's senior attorney informed the court that the civic organisation is adhering to the Supreme Court's instructions on the separation of hawking and non-hawking zones. The town vending committee is in charge of designating the hawking zones, openings for structures, and places for businesses, as well as making sure that no shop is obstructed by hawkers.

However, the BMC faces challenges with marking the hawking zones on footpaths due to issues with the width and size for hawkers. The high court emphasised the need for the BMC to keep a close watch on illegal extensions and licence violations by hawkers. The BMC will also be implementing measures to provide access for the disabled, including railings and other facilities on footpaths.

The judges referred to the problem of unevenly laid paver blocks that often pop out, as well as the issue of cars and motorcycles using footpaths and stalls interrupting footpaths at various locations.