Encroachments from Bajaj Nagar to VNIT Under Court Scrutiny Following Public Complaint
Encroachments from Bajaj Nagar to VNIT Under Court Scrutiny Following Public Complaint
Nagpur, 8 May 2025: Encroachments on the footpaths stretching from Bajaj Nagar to VNIT Chowk have triggered public outrage and legal intervention, as citizens raise concerns over pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and misuse of public space.
The issue came into focus following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Madhukar Kukde, President of the Citizen Forum for Equality. He alleged that ongoing encroachments along the route were obstructing pedestrian movement and contributing to a spike in road accidents.
The matter was recently heard by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court, where an intervention application was also submitted by Sunita Mudaliar and others. They urged the court to direct authorities to clear the footpaths and stop unauthorised use of the space.
In response, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the city’s Traffic Police Department were asked by the court to file detailed replies. Advocate Tushar Mandlekar appeared on behalf of the petitioners, while Advocate Jaimini Kasat represented the NMC.
NMC Deputy Commissioner Milind Meshram submitted an affidavit stating that a tender floated on 4 December 2024 to allow advertising hoardings on footpaths had been cancelled. He assured the court that all hoardings installed under the cancelled tender would be removed within 15 days.
The affidavit revealed that 78 spots had been identified for installing 15-foot-high advertising boards, based on an earlier committee recommendation. However, the growing criticism and safety concerns led to a rethink.
Sunita Mudaliar’s application further revealed that the NMC had initially planned a cycle track in the area, which was later converted into a pedestrian walkway. Unfortunately, the space is now reportedly being misused by groups consuming alcohol and by vendors setting up stalls, reducing the road width to just 25 feet and worsening traffic.
Citizens had previously written to the Municipal Commissioner in May 2024 demanding the project be cancelled. Despite this, the NMC pushed forward with so-called “beautification” efforts, which included setting up benches—now being blamed for encouraging informal commercial activity and congestion.
The High Court has taken note of these developments and directed the authorities to respond with further clarifications. The matter has been adjourned for a subsequent hearing.
This case once again highlights the growing tension between urban development and the need to preserve safe, accessible public spaces for everyday citizens.
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