Pune footpath encroachments on Jungli Maharaj Road and Fergusson College Road are forcing pedestrians into traffic as advertising boards, shop displays and parked vehicles occupy walking space, according to a report by Sakal – Pune. The problem has become more acute during the Navratri and Diwali shopping period, when both roads attract large crowds.
Advertising boards have been placed outside shops and commercial establishments along the two roads, while two-wheelers and four-wheelers are also reportedly parked on footpaths for much of the day. With little space left for walking, pedestrians are being forced to move along the carriageway, increasing their exposure to moving vehicles.
The obstruction is affecting senior citizens, women, children and students in particular. During busy hours, pedestrians have to negotiate between vehicles and other obstacles to cross the roads, raising concerns about their safety in one of Shivajinagar’s busiest commercial areas.
The report has also raised questions about the functioning of the Pune Municipal Corporation’s encroachment department, the Sky Sign Licence Department and the concerned zonal officers. These agencies have powers to remove unauthorised advertising boards and address encroachments, but residents say there has been no sustained improvement on the two roads.
The issue has become more visible during the festive season because the authorities know that footfall and shopping activity will increase, the report said. Residents have questioned why advance planning is not carried out to keep pavements clear before crowd levels rise. They have also called for regular inspections instead of action only after complaints are received.
Kamlesh Pradhan, a Sky Sign Licence inspector at the Shivajinagar-Ghole Road regional office, said officials conduct action against violations regularly. He said a large number of boards are installed during festivals and that some people exert pressure on officials because of political backing. Pradhan said action would be taken whenever unauthorised boards are found.
“Footpaths are meant for pedestrians, not for advertising boards or parking vehicles,” resident Sham Harshe said, according to the report. He said the encroachments leave no space for people visiting Jungli Maharaj Road and Fergusson College Road for shopping, forcing women, senior citizens and students to move through traffic. Harshe called for regular inspections and strict action against violators.
The immediate administrative steps identified in the report include removing unauthorised boards, clearing vehicles from footpaths and imposing penalties on those who violate the rules. The Sky Sign Licence Department and the relevant zonal authorities are expected to act when unauthorised boards are identified.
