[sustran] Re: APHRC and R2W: Sept 13, 2010: Group

[Kanthi Kannan]

Sept 13, 2010





Dear all

 

A Small Step in the forward direction :) Read On!!

 

Regards

 

Kanthi Kannan

 

THOSE WHO WALK CANNOT DECIDE AND THOSE WHO DECIDE DO NOT WALK

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/ghmc-stirs-after-shrc-prod-332

 

Sept. 12: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to
restore footpaths or pavements in the city so that pedestrians have some
place to walk safely. Earlier attempts to do this have fizzled out mid-way,
but this time the GHMC may be compelled to act.

The civic body's concern for pedestrians comes after a complaint to the
Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission about the misuse of pavements
and the civic body's indifference to the plight of pedestrians.

Ms Kanthimathi Kannan, founder president of Right to Walk Foundation, an
NGO, approached the APSHRC stating that despite complaints being lodged with
the GHMC, clear walking space on footpaths was not available for
pedestrians.

Responding to the petition, the commission asked the GHMC about its action
plan to make footpaths pedestrian-friendly. The GHMC sprang into action and
proposed a footpaths restoration project, which will partly be privately
funded. The GHMC proposes to remove encroachments like poles, shops and even
trees that obstruct the right of way of pedestrians, widen the footpaths and
work out strategies to stop people from using them as urinals.

Given the GHMC's poor record in implementing its own plans, there is
scepticism about whether it will really act this time or whether this is
just a game-plan to mollify the SHRC.