EVERY Indian city has broken roads and ramshackle footpaths occupied by vendors and squatters. In some instances, wealthy residents have extended their houses onto footpaths. There are also hazards like open manholes, rusted pipes, dangling wires and whatnot.
Pedestrians contend with multiple hazards as they move about. But it need not be so if municipalities were to fulfil their responsibility of maintaining amenities and shared public spaces as they are supposed to under the Indian Constitution. Providing the right to walk safely is inherent in that responsibility.
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