Panaji: The Bombay High Court has issued notice on a PIL filed by the Goa Foundation against the Mapusa Municipal Council for construction of footpaths along the main roads of Mapusa town, specifically all the 5 roads leading downward from the clocktower at Mapusa Altinho, plus the road to Khorlim.
The petition was filed in public interest for appropriate directions to the Mapusa Municipal Council, PWD and other respondents to ensure construction of footpaths along all the main roads of Mapusa town, especially the road between the Mapusa Altinho Circle (clock tower) and the Mapusa Bus Stand (Stretch A).
Goa Foundation, the petitioner, in the PIL has stated that the said roads experience heavy traffic of all kinds. “Buses, trucks, transport vehicles, cars, taxis, two wheelers, cyclists and pedestrians regularly use this road for their daily commute. However, the authorities, in dereliction of their duties, have only catered to those with motorized forms of transport, thus neglecting cyclists and pedestrians. No provisions are made for the easy movement of those with disabilities,” the petition stated.
Citing that major cities across the country are working towards closing down segments of roads for cars, and making available more space for Non-Motorised Transportation like pedestrian walks, and exclusive cycle tracks, Goa foundation stated that, “it is high time the planning and public works authorities start making efforts to ensure that the roads of Mapusa town are more pedestrian friendly. These reliefs are sought under the fundamental rights of petitioners guaranteed to citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.”
Thus, keeping in the above mentioned facts in mind, Goa Foundation has demanded to erect diabled friendly footpaths for the mentioned five roads and present the plan to the court.
Goa Foundation has sought an order directing the North Goa Planning and Development Authority (NGPDA) to ensure that adequate facilities for pedestrians are provided for in the Mapusa ODP before it is finalised.It has also demanded to shift electricity poles in the way of the public footpaths.
