Lack of footpaths poses safety risks to pedestrians in Nahan
Nahan, the district headquarters of Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh, faces a critical infrastructural challenge due to the lack of footpaths across the town. Except for a few sections near Chaugan, the town offers no designated walkways, forcing pedestrians to navigate busy roads, which exposes them to significant safety risks. Several accidents have been reported, highlighting the urgency of this issue.
In areas where footpaths are expected, open drains have become a serious hazard. Locations like Jhansi Park, Delhi Gate, Shimla Road and Kachha Tank are particularly concerning. These open drains obstruct movement and have been the cause of multiple incidents.
For instance, near Shimla Road, a car driven got stuck in an open drain while attempting to pass another vehicle. At Delhi Gate, a resident sustained a head injury after falling into an uncovered drain. Similarly, at Jhansi Park, multiple two-wheeler accidents have occurred as riders lost control and fell into the drains.
The circular road in the town presents another challenge, where the lack of space and narrow lanes force pedestrians into dangerous situations. When two large vehicles approach from opposite directions, pedestrians often have no choice but to step into drains to avoid being hit.
Despite repeated demands for proper footpaths, successive governments have failed to address this basic need. The absence of pedestrian infrastructure poses a significant inconvenience for daily commuters and tourists.
Authorities have now started to respond to these concerns. The Public Works Department has announced plans to construct footpaths near Rani Jhansi Park, which remains one of the most critical areas for pedestrian movement. Additionally, a proposal to address the issue of open drains has been submitted to the Road Transport Office, according to officials from the National Highways Division.
The construction of footpaths will not only enhance convenience but also ensure the safety and well-being of people. As these initiatives take shape, locals hope for swift and effective action to resolve an issue that has been ignored for far too long.
