Unauthorised ramps extending from apartment complexes and private residences onto adjoining roads are fast emerging as a major civic concern across several residential localities in Nagpur. Residents allege that these encroachments are steadily eating into public space meant for pedestrians and vehicles, narrowing internal roads and compromising safety.
Built to facilitate vehicle access to ground-floor parking, many ramps extend beyond property boundaries onto public roads and footpaths. Residents say the encroachments have reduced the usable width of roads, forcing pedestrians—particularly senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities—to navigate uneven surfaces or walk on the carriageway, increasing the risk of accidents.
The problem is further aggravated by vehicles parked on or around these ramps, leaving little room for motorists to manoeuvre through narrow lanes and making pedestrian movement even more difficult.
“It has become increasingly difficult to walk in many residential colonies. The ramps protrude onto the road, and when cars are parked on them, there is hardly any space left for pedestrians. Elderly people and children are the worst affected,” said resident Jitendra Singh.
Another resident, Khushal Bhagnani, said the growing number of such structures reflects a disregard for public space. “Builders and homeowners cannot treat roads as an extension of their private property. These roads belong to everyone. Such encroachments not only inconvenience pedestrians but also create bottlenecks for emergency vehicles and regular traffic,” she said.
Residents have urged the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to undertake a city-wide survey to identify unauthorised ramps and initiate action against structures violating municipal building regulations and encroachment norms.
A representative of the Saraswati Nagar Co-operative Housing Society said the society plans to submit a memorandum to Municipal Commissioner Vipin Itankar seeking immediate intervention.
“Our key demands include the removal of unauthorised ramps extending beyond property limits, restoration of the full width of roads and pedestrian pathways, and strict action against builders and residents encroaching upon public land. We will also urge the civic body to frame clear guidelines prohibiting such constructions in future building projects,” the representative said.
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