The 20K Signature Campaign of R2W Foundation
In Hyderabad today, Footpaths are fast disappearing. In many places they were already missing. Many Footpaths are used as Public Urinals. Safe Pedestrian Crossings are non-existent. Those footpaths in clean areas are being encroached upon by Malls and Retail Shops, which use them as Parking for Customers. Road widening is being done by GHMC by simply removing footpaths.
Where does the Pedestrian walk?
Naturally, the Pedestrian has to walk on the Road, where he/she risks being hit by a vehicle.
Crossing the road is even more risky because there are no Pedestrian Crossings. The few Pedestrian Crossings that exist are not enforced.
The Pedestrian is always at risk for life and limb. This results in an average of 5 Pedestrians being killed in Hyderabad every Week. Tragically, the lack of Pedestrian Safety affects the Old, the Children, The Handicapped and the Poor more severely
The administration of Hyderabad has completely neglected issues of Pedestrian Safety. It has failed to provide basic amenities such as Footpaths on each road and safe and convenient Pedestrian Crossings. The Right to Walk safely is a Fundamental Right, which is being denied to the Citizens of Hyderabad. Is it not sad that the 25% of People who own Motorized Vehicles monopolise 100% of the road?
The Right to Walk Foundation is working towards making Hyderabad Walkable again. The Mission of the Foundation is to educate The Government and the Citizens of Hyderabad about this vital issue.
The Right To Walk Foundation is raising the following questions:
1. Who is responsible for Pedestrian Safety?
2. Is there a policy in GHMC and the State Government on Pedestrian Safety?
3. What are the duties of the Police in Ensuring Pedestrian Safety?
4. Why are there no Enforced Pedestrian Crossings?
5. Why is action not taken on Malls/Retail outlets, which illegally take-over Footpaths for Parking?
6. Why is action not taken on Vehicles parked on Footpaths?
7. Why are encroachments on Footpaths not cleared?
The Signature Campaign to collect 20,000 signatures from the vulnerable section of society such as School Children, Senior Citizens, College Students and The Handicapped. The purpose is to:
1. Educate the Citizens of Hyderabad on this Vital Issue.
2. Publicise the issue through print and electronic media.
3. Hold a Walkathon with the Signed Banners.
4. Petition the GHMC, the Police, The CM with the Signed Banners and their Photocopies.
This process will continue until Hyderabad becomes a ‘Pedestrian Friendly City’.
Contributions are welcome. A/c The Right to Walk Foundation, 426-0101000-99916, Axis Bank, Hyderabad-500028
1 comment:
While I do agree that the Administration is to be made aware of the fact that footpaths are for people to walk and not for business establishments, I also feel that there is a need for the people to be oriented to use the Zebra crossings and foot overbridges where available. I have seen people still crossing the roads where FOBs are available - Ameerpet near Big Bazar, Begampet near Hyderbad School, and near LV Prasad Eye Hospital. Safety of the pedestrians is not only the responsibilty of the Administration but also the people themselves. By not using the facility provided the pedestrians are not only endagering their lives but are a big problem to the motorists. Therefore while you are making an effort to awaken the Administration with the footpath problem, should you also not awaken the pedestrians to the problems of walking across the roads at different places? I do whole heartedly support your campaign and wish you the best for a successful campaign.
S. Srinivas
Post a Comment