Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRA) has started a special mission called “Operation Footpath.” The goal is to remove illegal encroachments from footpaths and shop fronts on major roads and in residential areas.
HYDRA had already been successful in clearing illegal structures using bulldozers and protecting water bodies. Now, they are focusing on freeing up footpaths to make traffic flow smoother across the city. The growing problem of blocked footpaths has become a serious concern in many parts of Hyderabad.
Encroachments on footpaths not only make it difficult for people to walk but also create risks and inconveniences for pedestrians, drivers, and residents. HYDRA is removing sheds and structures that were built in front of shops to improve public access and road safety.
The Hans India, a local news outlet, has been covering the issue of footpath encroachments. They reported that many pavements and roads were being taken over by street vendors and their carts, forcing people to walk on dangerous roads. Not much action had been taken by the authorities, leading to public frustration.
After one report and continuous complaints from locals about illegal constructions on a main road in Film Nagar, HYDRA took action. They removed long-standing encroachments, including a house boundary wall and shed that had blocked part of the road.
Once the illegal structures were demolished, the debris was cleared away. HYDRA Commissioner AV Ranganath asked the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Khairatabad Zonal Commissioner Anurag Jayanti to speed up the road construction. The work is expected to be completed within two days. Locals were happy with the road expansion, noting that the structures had been there for 15 years.
As part of HYDRA’s ongoing efforts, the commissioner has asked teams to keep identifying footpath encroachments in different areas of the city. This process will be done in partnership with the traffic police to help reduce congestion on busy roads.
Last month, HYDRA, along with the Traffic Police, created a detailed plan to solve the traffic problems caused by encroachments. This led to the launch of “Operation Footpath,” which focuses on removing illegal structures and making footpaths safer and more accessible for pedestrians.
The initiative encourages people to use footpaths instead of walking on roads, improving safety and making the city more pedestrian-friendly.
