Pedestrians on Pune’s Jungli Maharaj Road and Fergusson College Road are being forced to walk alongside moving traffic as advertising boards, shop displays and vehicles occupy footpaths during the festive shopping season, according to a report by Sakal – Pune.
The encroachments have become more difficult to navigate as crowds increase for Navratri and Diwali shopping. Advertising boards placed outside shops, along with two-wheelers and cars parked on footpaths, are leaving limited space for pedestrians to pass.
The obstruction is particularly affecting senior citizens, women, children and students, who are having to move around vehicles and other obstacles. During busy hours, pedestrians are also required to find a path through traffic, raising concerns about their safety.
The report has raised questions about the functioning of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s encroachment department, Sky Sign Licence Department and concerned zonal officers. The departments have powers and mechanisms to act against unauthorised advertising boards and footpath obstructions, but residents say the problem continues.
Kamlesh Pradhan, a Sky Sign Licence Inspector at the Shivajinagar-Ghole Road regional office, said officials take action regularly. He also acknowledged that large numbers of advertising boards are put up during festivals and claimed that some people use political backing to pressure officials. “If unauthorised boards are noticed, definite action will be taken,” he said.
Resident Sham Harshe said footpaths are meant for pedestrians and not for advertising boards or vehicle parking. He called for regular inspections on Jungli Maharaj Road and Fergusson College Road, rather than action only after complaints are received.
The immediate issue is expected to remain significant while festive shopping crowds continue. The concerned departments are required to remove unauthorised boards, clear parked vehicles from footpaths and take action against violations.
