Published Jul 08, 2026 | 4:15 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 08, 2026 | 4:15 PM
Chennai, 6 July: A two-wheeler showroom at Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, has converted the footpath into a parking lot.
Synopsis: Pedestrians, perhaps the largest unorganised section of citizens, are deprived of footpaths — pavements to walk safely and with dignity. The Supreme Court has now asserted that the right to walk on safe, demarcated footpaths is a fundamental right under the rights to free movement and life. But are the footpaths in your city available for pedestrians?
Chennai is the sixth-most-populous city in India and the fourth-most-populous urban agglomeration, according to the 2011 Census. It has a long history with archaeological evidence indicating human settlements in the region during the Stone Age.
The rich history should have made the citizens stand up for their rights. Despite having a Supreme Court order favouring the Right to Walk safely on demarcated areas, pedestrians frequently come across hurdles that keep them away from demarcated footpaths.
Sunish P Surendran of South First gives one such instance — and we have been keeping quiet! Isn’t it time we reclaimed our rights?
Chennai, 6 July: A two-wheeler showroom at Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, has converted the footpath into a parking lot.
Also See: Join the campaign to usher in the era of civic accountability
Join South First’s Reclaim Footpaths campaign. If you see a footpath that is encroached on or damaged, share a photo and details (location, date) with us at +91 8341082462. We will flag it to the authorities responsible for fixing it.
Also Read: GBA’s ‘unbalanced’ Safe Footpath Campaign raises livelihood questions
