Hyderabad, 6 August
Encroachment Removal Drives Leave Hyderabad Footpaths Unsafe for Pedestrians
Civic authorities across Hyderabad have intensified special drives to remove encroachments from footpaths and roadside spaces. However, residents say the demolition campaigns are falling short of their objective, as many cleared areas remain littered with debris, damaged pavements, and unfinished road work, making them unsafe and inconvenient for pedestrians.
The drives are being carried out by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, Cantonment Municipal Corporation (CMC) and Municipal Corporation of Malkajgiri (MMC) to reclaim public spaces from illegal encroachments. While hundreds of encroachments have been removed, citizens argue that authorities have failed to restore the footpaths for public use. Encroachment Removal Drives Leave Hyderabad Footpaths Unsafe for Pedestrians
Cleared Footpaths Still Unusable
Residents across several localities complain that although shops, kiosks and other structures occupying footpaths have been demolished, the areas have been left strewn with construction debris, broken concrete, fallen pillars and uneven surfaces.
Without immediate repairs or pavement restoration, pedestrians continue to face difficulties while walking, often being forced onto busy roads and increasing the risk of accidents. Encroachment Removal Drives Leave Hyderabad Footpaths Unsafe for Pedestrians.
Radheshyam, a resident of Gopanpally, questioned the approach adopted by civic authorities.
“Why don’t the authorities immediately strengthen the roads and rebuild proper pavements after demolishing encroachments?” he asked.
‘Walk-Free’ Initiative Faces Criticism
Engineering officials of the Cantonment Municipal Corporation (CMC) have been conducting encroachment removal drives under the ‘Walk-Free’ initiative, clearing several kilometres of footpaths and warning violators against reoccupying public spaces.
However, residents in Gachibowli say the initiative has not achieved its intended purpose because the footpaths were never rebuilt after the demolition exercise.
People allege that piles of rubble and demolished materials have remained on the pavements for weeks, making it nearly impossible for pedestrians, senior citizens and persons with disabilities to use them safely.
Similar Problems Across Hyderabad
The issue is not limited to CMC areas. Residents report similar conditions in localities under the GHMC and MMC, where demolition drives have been completed but restoration work has been delayed or not undertaken.
Broken pavements, exposed surfaces and uncleared debris continue to obstruct pedestrian movement, defeating the purpose of reclaiming public walkways. Encroachment Removal Drives Leave Hyderabad Footpaths Unsafe, Residents Raise Concerns.
Encroachments Return Within Days
Residents have also expressed concern over the recurrence of encroachments shortly after demolition drives.
At Afzalgunj bus stop, for example, roadside kiosks and commercial establishments have reportedly reappeared only months after the GHMC removed them.
Locals believe that unless authorities ensure continuous monitoring, strict enforcement and permanent restoration of public spaces, encroachments are likely to return, rendering the demolition drives ineffective. Encroachment Removal Drives Leave Hyderabad Footpaths Unsafe, Residents Raise Concerns.
Residents Seek Long-Term Solutions
Citizens have urged civic authorities to adopt a comprehensive approach that goes beyond demolition. They have called for:
- Immediate removal of demolition debris.
- Reconstruction and paving of footpaths.
- Regular maintenance of pedestrian infrastructure.
- Continuous monitoring to prevent fresh encroachments.
- Better coordination between engineering and sanitation departments.
Residents say these measures are essential to create safe, accessible and obstruction-free walkways across Hyderabad.
Key Highlights
- Civic bodies have removed hundreds of footpath encroachments across Hyderabad.
- Residents say debris and damaged pavements have made cleared footpaths unusable.
- The ‘Walk-Free’ initiative has faced criticism for the lack of restoration work.
- Similar issues have been reported in Gopanpally, Gachibowli and other parts of the city.
- Encroachments have reportedly returned in areas such as Afzalgunj, raising concerns about enforcement.
- Citizens have demanded proper pavement reconstruction and long-term maintenance after demolition drives.