A study conducted by Thrissur-based Evangelical Social Action Forum (ESAF) in Malappuram town found that the district headquarters sorely lacked in traffic uprightness and pedestrian facilities. When three-fourths of the pavements in Malappuram were either completely or partially depleted, almost half of the parking was found to have been illegitimate.
A meeting convened by the municipality here on Wednesday, where the report was presented, discussed suggestions and means to address the traffic-related issues. Municipal vice chairman Perumpalli Sayed inaugurated the meeting. Development standing committee chairperson Mariyumma Sharifa presided.
The study, conducted by involving a group of students from Government College, Malappuram; found that 92 per cent of the pedestrian ways in municipal areas were non-inclusive. “That means, they were not good enough for the physically challenged,” said Phaeba Abraham, South Asia regional manager of the Health Bridge, which provided technical support to ESAF.
The town also badly missed in public trash bins and toilets.
Encroachments by vendors
Street vendors were found to have occupied pedestrian space at several places, including the road in front of the Collectorate.
Areas near schools in Malappuram were largely found to be unsafe for student mobility. Lack of foot overbridge and proper zebra crossings were found to be vexing problems in Malappuram.
The study suggested construction of “inclusive footpath” and pedestrian zones, toilets and trash bins. It also suggested that the authorities provide proper illumination in footpath.
Installation of traffic calming measures was yet another key suggestion made by the study. The study also pointed out the importance of removing visual pollutions, removing vendors from footpath, and creating open spaces in the town.
“We should think futuristic. Plan in such a way as to make the town grow into a large city in 10 years,” said Ms. Abraham.
