Citizens Demand Walkable Cities Amid Urban Development in India
Take back the streets | Citizens in Indian cities don’t want to shrink to the peripheries

Image: The Hindu
In India, the removal of street hawkers and focus on vehicular infrastructure are diminishing public spaces, making cities less accessible. Citizens, including those with disabilities, are advocating for walkable environments, highlighting the need for urban planning that prioritizes pedestrian access and community engagement.
- 01The removal of hawkers is seen as detrimental to urban safety and community identity, according to architect Vidya Tongbram.
- 02Walkability has become a privilege, with many citizens, including those with disabilities, struggling to navigate their cities safely.
- 03India has built over 50,000 km of expressways in the last five years, prioritizing vehicles over pedestrian movement.
- 04Citizen-led initiatives, such as civic-tech apps, are emerging to report urban issues and hold authorities accountable.
- 05Community participation is crucial for maintaining urban spaces and ensuring they meet the needs of all citizens.
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In Indian cities, the ongoing removal of street hawkers and a focus on vehicular infrastructure are contributing to a decline in accessible public spaces. Architect Vidya Tongbram argues that hawkers contribute to urban safety and community identity. Many citizens, including those with disabilities, face challenges in navigating their cities due to a lack of walkable infrastructure. The past five years have seen the construction of over 50,000 km of expressways, prioritizing vehicles at the expense of pedestrian access. Initiatives like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, mandate accessibility, but implementation remains inconsistent. Citizens are taking action, utilizing civic-tech apps to report urban issues and advocate for improvements. For instance, a 14-year-old developer created an app called Rasthe to address footpath damage in Bengaluru. Community engagement is essential, as highlighted by Atul Kumar from Art Deco Mumbai Trust, who emphasizes that citizen participation helps maintain checks and balances in urban planning. The demand for more inclusive and accessible urban environments continues to grow as citizens seek to reclaim their cities.
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The focus on vehicular infrastructure over pedestrian access is making urban environments less inclusive, particularly for marginalized groups.
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