UNNATI welcome the action initiated by the newly posted Secretary Municipal Council as appeared in the Daily Telegram dt. 21.02.2010 for removal of unauthorized occupations on the footpath/Set-back areas which UNNATI have been perusing since 2000 on the demand of the residents of Port Blair, Municipal area (copies of letter dt. 21.01.2000 and 17.03.09 enclosed). The action initiated by the present Secretary Municipal Council for clearance of obstacles in footpath and set-back area is a welcome step. In this connection we would like to mention that it is generally observed that footpaths, set-back area of road and vacant revenue land where they do exist are unusable on account of unauthorized workshop and polluting activities, business, encroachment, obstructions, parked vehicles resulting children, elderly and disabled and the urban poor who often have no choice but to walk or cycle are particularly disadvantaged and facing serious risk of being hurt or killed in accidents in the absence of safe pedestrian accessibility which in fact need to be the first step in an enlighted urban transport policy. Increasing number of health conscious morning walkers to maintain health are also now finding difficulty in walking in foreshore road, Haddo due to increased workshop activities and traffic which has already caused 3 deaths and several injuries due to accidents within last 3 years. Recently the dividing the existing road for 2 lines for smooth vehicle movement no doubt is also a welcome step but then it would reduce space for pedestrians and cycling and thus making their movement unsafe and risky walking is the most natural of human activities has become extremely unpleasant, if not hazardous activity in the absence footpath and usage of set back and Govt. revenue vacant land adjacent to road under unauthorized occupation. Now everywhere in mainland priority is given for pedestrian accessibility and park is so designed and developed that there is facilities for walking in parks also but we have no such parks except marina park but have space for construction of footpath particularly in coastal road of foreshore Haddo where tourist also visit. Therefore, similar park and footpath may kindly be developed in foreshore Haddo for the residents of Haddo & tourist. 

In fact our transport policy is focused predominantly on road capacity but little or no priority for pedestrian and cyclist while counties like Netherlands which have higher income and car ownership levels provide 1st class pedestrian and bicycle facilities. We, therefore, request that Administration may kindly consider to give priority for pedestrian accessibility and prepare a plan for construction of footpath along road side in Port Blair, Municipal area for the convenience of the pedestrians for which funds are also available under centrally sponsored schemes.

 

We shall be highly grateful if our proposal is considered favorably.