The Bombay High Court at Goa headed by Chief Justice issues notice to authorities over a petition challenging Mapusa Municipal Council’s construction of footpaths along the main roads of Mapusa town.
The petitioner stated that the said roads experience heavy traffic of all kinds. Buses, trucks, transport vehicles, cars, taxis, two wheelers, cyclists and pedestrians regularly use this road for their daily commute. However, 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.
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 Corporation of Chennai has even formulated a policy for Non-Motorised Transportation and has taken significant steps to facilitate pedestrians in the city. The petitioner submits that it is high time the planning and public works authorities start making efforts to ensure that the roads of Mapusa town are more pedestrian friendly. These reliefs are sought under the fundamental rights of petitioners guaranteed to citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
Petitioner is therefore praying for the following reliefs, in public interest:
For an order directing the Respondents to execute a plan for erecting footpaths (including execution) for the 5 busy roads of Mapusa town (para __ of the petition), which is also compliant with regulations for persons with disabilities notified for the state of Goa and to submit this plan to this Hon’ble Court.
For costs of this petition;
Any other reliefs this Hon’ble Court may be pleased to grant.
Interim reliefs:
For an order directing the NGPDA to ensure that adequate facilities for pedestrians are provided for in the Mapusa ODP before it is finalised.
For an order directing the Respondents to prepare a plan for erecting footpaths for the 5 busy roads of Mapusa town (para __ of the petition), which is also compliant with regulations for persons with disabilities notified for the state of Goa and to submit this plan to this Hon’ble Court.
For an order directing the Electricity Department to submit a plan to shift electricity poles in the way of the public footpaths proposed.
