Inaccessible footpaths citywide have sparked concerns over pedestrian rights,prompting recent Supreme Court ruling. Court stressed that Right to Life and Right to Freedom of Movement,enshrined in Constitution,are violated when footpaths are blocked by unauthorized vehicles or damaged .
Justices P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar declared right to walk on footpaths is fundamental and must come before vehicle movement. They highlighted responsibility of urban development authorities,municipal corporations,local governments to ensure footpaths are built, maintained,protected .
Unauthorized parking,damaged infrastructure make footpaths hazardous. June 28,two-wheelers parked on footpath along S A Road,missing concrete slabs reported at Vyttila. P.C. Ajithkumar from Ernakulam District Residents Associations’ Apex Council noted current footpath design isn't accommodating for elderly. Tactile paving for visually impaired often leads to obstacles like cable posts,uneven tiles.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities P.T. Baburaj emphasized need for footpaths to follow universal design principles,ensuring access for all citizens,no matter physical abilities. Kochi Corporation has started improving pedestrian infrastructure with Walkable Kochi project,working with Centre for Heritage,Environment and Development.
Initiative aims to boost pedestrian safety,comfort,accessibility through detailed study of 53 divisions in Kochi. Proposed improvements include pedestrian-friendly corridors like Panampilly Nagar Walkway, Queen’s Walkway,Marine Drive Walkway. Project also plans to weave heritage trails into city’s cultural scene,supporting local citizen-led initiatives.
As city wrestles with these accessibility issues,Supreme Court's ruling serves as sharp reminder of need to prioritize pedestrian rights in urban planning. Local authorities' efforts show growing recognition of need for more walkable environment…but will it be enough?
