Pedestrians in Koparkhairane are expressing growing frustration over debris from private construction sites encroaching on footpaths. Residents have reported having to navigate through construction materials such as sand, bricks, and cement bags that are regularly left on footpaths. This issue has been particularly affecting residents of Sector 1 and Sector 2 where private construction sites are on the rise.

Mrs. Meera Shah, a resident of Sector 1, described her daily struggle, and said, “I walk my children to school every day, and navigating through the debris scattered along our route has become a nightmare. The footpaths, which are supposed to be safe for pedestrians, are now unusable, forcing us to walk on the road instead. This situation is particularly hazardous given the increasing traffic in our area. The risk of accidents is a constant worry, and it is disheartening to see the lack of maintenance and concern for pedestrian safety”.

Local shopkeepers have also expressed their concerns regarding the same problem. The owner of a car repair shop in Sector-1 said, “The debris not only affects foot traffic but also affects our business negatively. We are already low on space and the debris makes it hard for customers to access our shop".

Sajan Varghese, a resident of Sector-2 and a daily commuter, shared his concerns, and said, “Most of the debris can be found near the footpaths that lead to Koparkhairane railway station. During the evenings, the roads and footpaths become extremely congested due to peak hour traffic. At times like these, it is incredibly frustrating as a pedestrian to navigate through the debris. The situation is made worse by the dust that spreads, posing a significant health hazard to everyone in the area. This is not just an inconvenience but a serious public safety issue. The authorities need to take immediate action to penalise those responsible for dumping the debris and ensure regular maintenance to keep our walkways safe and clean”.