CMC clears 313 footpath encroachments under Walk Free drive

Drive targets pedestrian space

The Charminar Circle Municipal Corporation (CMC) has cleared 313 encroachments on footpaths across its jurisdiction as part of the ongoing 'Walk Free' drive. The week-long operation, which concluded on Friday, was aimed at restoring pedestrian space and easing the movement of commuters in some of the city's busiest corridors.

Officials said the drive covered areas where vendors and shopkeepers had extended their stalls onto footpaths, forcing pedestrians onto the roads. The CMC teams removed temporary structures, dumped construction material, and other obstructions that had narrowed walkways.

Focused action in commercial zones

The operation was concentrated in commercial belts and markets, where encroachments were most rampant. According to a CMC release, the drive was carried out across multiple wards, with special attention to stretches near schools, hospitals, and religious places where footfall is high.

While the exact number of notices issued was not disclosed, officials said that prior warnings were given before the removal. The CMC has been under pressure from residents and civic activists to enforce the Hyderabad Road Development Corporation's pedestrian-friendly guidelines, which mandate a minimum 1.8-metre clear width on footpaths.

Residents welcome the move

Local commuters have largely welcomed the initiative. Many had complained that footpaths in the old city had become unusable due to encroachments, forcing people, especially the elderly and children, to walk on carriageways. The move is expected to reduce the risk of accidents and improve last-mile connectivity.

However, some shopkeepers argue that the sudden removal has hit their livelihoods. The CMC has said that it will consider providing designated vending zones in consultation with the Market Committee, but no concrete timeline has been announced yet.

What happens next

The CMC has warned of strict action against those who re-encroach on footpaths. Regular inspections and a helpline for citizens to report violations are also being planned. The civic body is expected to extend the drive to other residential and arterial roads in the coming weeks.

As the city gears up for the monsoon, the focus will be on ensuring that drainage and pedestrian pathways remain clear. Officials have indicated that the 'Walk Free' drive is not a one-off exercise but part of a sustained effort to reclaim public space for pedestrians.