The pavements on either side of MG Road in Shastri Nagar are gradually becoming pedestrian-unfriendly. What is glaring is that these pavements have boards that remind the public that “pavements are meant for walking.”
“Branches of a tree were cut and then left near a waste bin placed on the pavement. Conservancy workers who have to collect the garbage did not bother to clear the branches and twigs. The cut branches remained there for a few days,” says R. Akila, a pedestrian.
MG Road is a key road as the stretch leads to Elliot’s Beach and connects to LB Road. It has many commercial establishments, including hotels, apparel shops, supermarkets, banks, ATMs and salons.
Construction material can found dumped on many sections of MG Road.
L. Ramya, who frequents a vegetable supermarket on the road, says, “Recently I almost skidded on the pavement as a mound of sand had been placed on the pavement near Saravana Rice Mandy. It had been there for the last few weeks. Also, bricks are placed. The construction material are kept on the platform obstructing the way for pedestrians.”
Also, cycles and bikes of customers and staff at the various shops on either side of the road are parked on the pavement. During weekends and on festival holidays, when there is a heavy traffic on the stretch, motorcyclists could be found driving their bikes on the pavement.
