Residents write to rights panel over encroachments on footpaths
Encroachment on public walkways has become a pressing civic issue in the city, drawing sharp criticism from residents who feel footpaths have been turned into ‘showrooms’, forcing the people to walk on roads.
A formal complaint submitted to the Punjab State Human Rights Commission by the Model Town Market Welfare Society highlights how shopkeepers across the city have placed oversized signboards and mannequins on footpaths and corridors, forcing pedestrians to step onto busy roads.
The letter describes the practice as a violation of human rights, particularly the right to safe passage for ordinary citizens. The condition is same in the Civil Lines, Model Town Extension, Ghumar Mandi, Model Town and Rajguru Nagar Market, the frustration of residents is evident.
Ravinder Kaur, a retired teacher, explained: “Every day, I take a walk for my health but now I’m forced to step onto roads as footpaths are blocked. It’s dangerous, especially for senior citizens like me. It is not just inconvenience but negligence of our rights.”
Young people too are voicing their concerns. Arun Sharma, a college student from the Civil Lines, said: “We talk about smart cities, but how can Ludhiana be smart when basic pedestrian space is stolen?
“Shopkeepers may want to attract customers but not at the cost of public safety,” said civic activist Arvind Sharma.
His statement underscores the contradiction between city’s aspirations for modern urban development and the reality of unchecked encroachments.
Meena Gupta, a homemaker from Ghumar Mandi, said: “I walk with my children and it terrifies me when they have to step into traffic as the corridor is blocked by dummies and boards. The authorities must act before an accident forces them to wake up.”
Despite repeated reminders to the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, residents allege that no corrective action has been taken. The complaint letter specifically named busy commercial hubs such as Ghumar Mandi, Civil Lines and Islam Chowk as hotspots of encroachment.
Arvind Sharma of SBS Nagar summed up the sentiment: “Encroachment is theft of public space. If the authorities don’t act, it sends a message that commercial interests are above human rights.” “The issue goes beyond aesthetics or convenience. It is about safety, dignity and accessibility. Ludhiana’s citizens are demanding accountability, urging the civic authorities to reclaim footpaths and corridors so that pedestrians can walk freely and safely,” he added.
