Now, a footpath challenge to make Dadar, Mahim walkable

MUMBAI: After the #PotholeChallenge2019, it’s the #FootpathChallenge, but only in Dadar, Shivaji Park and Mahim.

A day after the BMC’s seven-day pothole challenge ended on Thursday, assistant municipal commissioner Kiran Dighavkar announced that under the civic body’s pedestrian-first policy, G-North ward officials will repair broken or uneven footpaths in 24-48 hours of citizen complaints received on a local residents’ WhatsApp group. However, unlike the pothole challenge, citizens whose complaints are not resolved within the deadline will not receive any prize money.

The ward officials have already formed five teams, comprising a supervisor, a mukkadam and three labourers, to address the footpath complaints.

Dighavkar told TOI that the aim to make all footpaths in G-North ward ‘walkable’. On Friday, he tweeted: “Small Things Hurt Most. We @mybmcWardGN formed what’s app group of residents & appealing them to post broken footpath pics in & around Shivaji Park Dadar and we will repairs it in next 24-48 hrs.Soon it will be extended to Mahim as well. @mybmc #Pedestrianfirst #Mumbai.”

“Every ward is provided with footpath improvement fund, depending on the area it covers. Generally under this, one footpath is improved holistically. However, we decided to invite a tender where a random area is considered and the contractor is expected to fix all footpaths,” said Dighavkar.. “Initially, we plan to take up complaints only from Dadar area, and will later extend it to other parts of the ward, including Mahim.” Dadar is home to Shivaji Park, one of the biggest open spaces in the city, which is frequented by regular walkers and joggers.

Dighavkar’s tweet witnessed a wide response, including from the handle @rhishilakhote: “Good initiative, how to join this group. I think BMC staff should be surveying the footpaths & fixing them. Citizens will contribute but primary responsibility is of BMC,” and from the handle @MNCDFbombay: “Highly appreciate your enthusiastic approach. Keep it up.”