The Bombay High Court has expressed strong concern over widespread encroachments on footpaths in Nagpur and questioned whether the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) was aware of the situation. The court has ordered a joint inspection of affected locations and directed the civic body to submit a detailed report within two weeks.
The direction was issued by a bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Vakode during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning accessibility rights for persons with disabilities. The court asked the petitioner, his advocate, and the NMC’s counsel to personally inspect the identified spots and report their findings.
During the hearing, the court observed that shopkeepers have occupied footpaths in several areas, including Khamla, leaving little or no space for pedestrians. The judges questioned whether municipal officials were unaware of such visible encroachments and termed the situation a serious lapse in civic administration.
The High Court also allowed an amendment to the PIL related to the implementation of disability accessibility norms. The petitioner informed the court that many footpaths and bus stops in the city lack curb ramps and barrier-free access, making them difficult to use for wheelchair users.
The court has further directed the Municipal Corporation to provide details on how many footpaths in the city meet disability-friendly standards and to verify the condition of footpaths that the civic body claims are compliant.
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