Municipal body building pedestrian pathways in Sector 17 parking lots

With the hearing of the PIL scheduled on April 20,the construction of the pathways,to cost around Rs 2.5 lakh,was on at a frantic pace today. These are being built in both parking lots on either side of Neelam Theatre and one near Sahib Singh. The pathways would be at the same level as those at the plaza. Paver blocks are being laid on these and some space would be left in between for vehicles to cross.

With the construction going on,the movement of vehicles in the parking lots was difficult today. The vehicles were required to use the same route today for entering and exiting the parking lot due to the construction work on one side. This created problems for commuters.MC Chief Engineer S S Bida said that the pathways are being constructed with the aim of facilitating pedestrians. “Instead of having to walk a long distance,pedestrians can make use of the pathways. Provisions have also been kept for vehicles to pass through,” he added. The construction has not,however,found much favour among the residents,who state that the pathways are not required. Sector 17 Traders’ Association General Secretary JPS Kalra pointed out,“There was no need for the construction of these pathways. Any rash driver can hit a pedestrian who is walking on these. The plaza is wide enough and has sufficient space for people to walk.”

A member of another association in the sector agreed that the pathways are of no purpose at all. Instead of crossing a running road,it would be easier for pedestrians to walk across the plaza. He added that with the matter being in court,the step seems to have been taken in haste.

The issue had also been discussed at the Municipal Corporation Finance and Contract Committee (F&CC) meet. One of the members,Harjinder Kaur,said that it was discussed that it would not be feasible to make the parking lots vehicle-free. However,the construction of pedestrian pathways was not taken up at the committee meeting.