A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Gujarat High Court seeking urgent action against widespread encroachments on footpaths across Ahmedabad. The petition is likely to be heard in the coming days.
Filed by city resident Sarvarkhan Pathan through advocate Dharmesh Gurjar, the PIL alleges that footpaths have been occupied by private individuals, street vendors, parked vehicles and unauthorised structures. Such obstructions, the petition states, force pedestrians to walk on busy roads and put their safety at risk.
The petition argues that the right to walk safely on a designated and obstruction-free footpath is part of the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. It also refers to recent Supreme Court judgments recognising pedestrian rights and directing civic authorities to keep footpaths free from illegal encroachments.
The PIL specifically highlights complaints from Shahpur and Dariapur, including an alleged encroachment near Jambuji Wali Masjid in Salatwada. According to the petition, temporary structures have been erected on a public footpath and unauthorised electricity connections have been obtained, leading to daily traffic congestion.
The petitioner claims that repeated complaints and representations to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), police and elected representatives have failed to bring about effective action.
The PIL seeks directions to the AMC, police and other concerned authorities to conduct ward-wise surveys, clearly demarcate pedestrian pathways, remove illegal structures and establish a regular inspection system to prevent fresh encroachments.
AMC clears Kalupur-Geetamandir stretch
Meanwhile, the AMC on Tuesday carried out a major anti-encroachment drive along the busy Kalupur-Geetamandir stretch. Civic teams cleared roads, footpaths and other public spaces of unauthorised occupations.
During the drive, AMC officials removed and seized 119 items, including handcarts, large umbrellas, gas stoves, gas cylinders, tables, counters, plastic stools and other equipment.