Remove encroachments from Delhi's footpaths: Jung

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A two-month drive would be launched to ensure that the national capital has more user-friendly footpaths for pedestrians, Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung said here on Wednesday.

The decision in this regard was taken following a meeting to discuss the issue of rights of pedestrians, road safety and free movement on the footpaths of Delhi. The civic agencies were asked to submit within two weeks a report on the status of footpaths in their areas.

"Pedestrians are the most vulnerable category on the Delhi roads. We need to work concertedly to offer safe and user friendly transit to them on Delhi's footpaths," Jung said.

The lt. governor has directed all civic agencies along with the police to identify within two weeks roads where footpaths need to be made usable for pedestrians.

"A review meeting will be held after two weeks to chart out a time-bound action plan for joint action by the civic agencies and Delhi Police to remove hindrances from footpath and make them pedestrian-friendly," said a communique from the lt. governor house.

On Nov 21, 2014, the lt. governor had written to all civic agencies and Delhi Police to ensure at least a metre-wide of encroachment-free footpaths on all roads.

In 2014, a total of 742 pedestrians died in Delhi in road accidents which constitutes 45 percent of the total fatal accidents.