Kothrud Residents Voice Helplessness as Mall Footpaths Become Parking Havens
Residents of Pune's Kothrud neighborhood are expressing deep frustration and a sense of helplessness as footpaths surrounding a popular Reliance mall have transformed into unofficial parking lots for two-wheelers. This alarming situation is forcing pedestrians, particularly senior citizens, to navigate busy roads, significantly elevating safety risks in the area.
Safety Concerns Escalate for Senior Citizens and Pedestrians
A 72-year-old local resident, who chose to remain anonymous, highlighted the grave dangers faced by vulnerable groups. "When footpaths are obstructed by parked vehicles, pedestrians, especially seniors relying on canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, have no choice but to step onto the main roadway," they explained. "This forces them to share space with fast-moving traffic, dramatically increasing the likelihood of accidents."
The resident directly linked the worsening conditions to the recent surge in commercial development near the mall. "The problem of illegal vehicle parking and double parking on pavements has intensified following the expansion of businesses and the rise in hawker activity around the Reliance SMART Bazaar and adjacent establishments," they added.
Residents Support Business but Demand Orderly Parking
It is crucial to note that the community is not opposed to commercial growth. "We have absolutely no issue with their businesses; it is their right to operate," the resident clarified. "However, parking must be conducted in designated areas across the road, ensuring footpaths remain accessible for pedestrians. The situation is deteriorating, and residents feel utterly helpless due to the lack of police action against these traffic violations."
Corroboration from Housing Society Chairman
Shrikrishna Deshpande, chairman of the Anand Residency Society located behind the mall, confirmed these widespread concerns. "Visitors to the stalls in front of the Reliance SMART Bazaar routinely park their vehicles on the footpath, occupying the entire stretch and leaving no space for pedestrians," he stated.
Deshpande also raised additional issues related to hygiene and public nuisance stemming from the food stalls. "After eating at these stalls, visitors often litter the surrounding public spaces, which are near our society's entrance, creating significant hygiene problems. They sometimes even encroach onto adjacent roads leading to our premises for discussions," he elaborated.
Authorities' Response and Unheeded Appeals
According to Deshpande, numerous society residents are affected, and their appeals for help have largely been ignored. Meetings with former corporators and repeated requests to the traffic police for regular patrols have yielded little to no results, leaving the community in a precarious position.
When contacted, a traffic official from the Kothrud police station provided a response. "Our towing vans are currently not operational. Nevertheless, we will initiate immediate action, and vehicles parked inappropriately on footpaths, causing public inconvenience, will be issued challans," the official assured.
The persistent inaction has transformed a simple walk near a popular commercial hub into a daily nightmare for Kothrud's residents, underscoring a critical need for effective urban management and enforcement of traffic regulations to restore pedestrian safety and public order.
