Not very long ago, in February this year, one of the many optimistic promises in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Budget 2025-26 was the implementation of the ‘Universal Footpath Policy,’ aimed at making the city more pedestrian and disabled-friendly. A fund of Rs 100 crore was sanctioned to improve walkability. In July, the Bombay High Court also directed the BMC to form a special cell to take eviction action against encroachers and squatters on footpaths. However, a ground report by mid-day found otherwise.

Residents speak

“In Chandivli, the lawmakers seem to have taken up the exact opposite mission — to encroach as many footpaths as possible. Whichever road you check in Chandivli, most are encroached, either by so-called vaachanalayas or by food stalls. The footpath, instead of being used by pedestrians, is occupied by poles and structures. MLA funds are meant for providing better amenities to residents. But these structures force us to walk on the streets, risking our lives,” said Vijaya Kotteswaran, a resident of Chandivali.