PANAJI
The Bombay High Court at Goa has issued notice to the Goa government and the Mapusa Municipal Council over a petition seeking that footpaths be set up alongside important arterial roads in the Mapusa town.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed by the Goa Foundation for appropriate directions to the Mapusa Municipal Council, PWD and other respondents to ensure the construction of footpaths along all the main roads of Mapusa town, especially the road between the Mapusa Altinho Circle (clock tower near the Court Complex) and the Mapusa Bus Stand.
NGO has alleged that the roads experience heavy traffic of all kinds -- buses, trucks, transport vehiThecles, cars, taxis, two-wheelers, cyclists and pedestrians regularly use this road for their daily commute.
“The authorities, in dereliction of their duties, have only catered to those with motorized forms of transport, thus neglecting cyclists and pedestrians. No provisions are made for the easy movement of those with disabilities,” the NGO alleged in its petition.
“Across the developed world and even in several Indian cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi, the Municipal Bodies are working towards closing down segments of roads for cars, and making available more space for Non-Motorised Transportation like pedestrian walks, and exclusive cycle tracks,” the NGO said claiming the lack of pedestrian pathways was violative of Article 21 of the constitution (Right to Life).
The petition also points out four other stretches of road in Mapusa many of which are leading up to Altinho Junction which they have sought provision for footpaths.
