Published Jul 09, 2026 | 9:30 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 09, 2026 | 9:30 AM
Thiruvananthapuram, 6 July: Parked vehicles have made the footpath on the busy Jagathy–PRS Hospital Road an obstacle course for pedestrians.
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?
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala, the state that takes pride in its high literacy rate. But when it comes to civic sense and accountability, Kerala’s literacy beats a retreat — and no one cares!
Shouldn’t literacy go beyond the ability to read and write to also encompass reflection on citizens’ behaviour?
Thiruvananthapuram, 6 July: Parked vehicles force pedestrians to step onto the busy Jagathy-PRS Hospital Road — at their own risk. (Dileep V Kumar)
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.
