In a decisive step towards reclaiming public spaces and safeguarding the rights of pedestrians, the Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Dr. Devansh Yadav today conducted an extensive inspection of various areas of the Old City to review the issue of encroachments on footpaths by shopkeepers, vendors and other unauthorized occupants.
During the visit, Dr. Yadav interacted with traders and street vendors and apprised them of the recent judgment of the Supreme Court, which has reaffirmed that the right of citizens to walk safely and freely on footpaths is a fundamental right. He emphasized that footpaths are meant exclusively for pedestrians and cannot be used for commercial activities, unauthorized parking, storage of goods or any other encroachment.
The Commissioner observed that in many parts of the city's old quarters, footpaths have been virtually swallowed up by shop extensions, display of merchandise, carts, parked vehicles and other unauthorized structures, forcing pedestrians—including school children, senior citizens and women—to walk on busy roads and exposing them to avoidable risks and inconvenience.
Dr. Yadav stated that the Jammu Municipal Corporation is fully committed to restoring footpaths to their intended purpose and ensuring that public spaces remain accessible, safe and obstruction-free. In compliance with the directives of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and the provisions of municipal laws, the Corporation will undertake a sustained and intensive anti-encroachment drive across the city.
He further warned that strict action, including removal of encroachments, seizure of material and imposition of penalties, will be initiated against those who continue to occupy public footpaths and other civic spaces illegally.
Appealing for public cooperation, the Commissioner urged shopkeepers and vendors to voluntarily remove encroachments and support the administration's efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more pedestrian-friendly Jammu. He said that the objective of the exercise is not merely enforcement but the restoration of citizens' rights, improvement of urban mobility and promotion of an orderly and inclusive urban environment.
Reiterating the vision of a well-planned and citizen-centric city, Dr. Yadav said that ensuring unobstructed footpaths is essential for improving the quality of urban life and that the Jammu Municipal Corporation will continue to take all necessary measures to protect public spaces from encroachment.
Deputy Commissioner (North), Jammu Municipal Corporation, along with other officers and officials of the Corporation, accompanied the Commissioner during the inspection.