The Telangana High Court has once again expressed strong dissatisfaction over the continued encroachment of footpaths across Hyderabad, criticizing civic and enforcement agencies for failing to effectively implement its earlier directions aimed at protecting pedestrian spaces.
Hearing a public interest litigation concerning illegal occupation of footpaths, Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar observed that despite previous court orders and repeated warnings, many pedestrian pathways across the city remain blocked by shops, temporary structures, street vendors and unauthorized parking. The court noted that such encroachments force pedestrians onto busy roads, putting their safety at risk and contributing to traffic congestion.
The issue was brought before the court by petitioners who pointed out that footpaths near the High Court itself continue to be occupied, leaving advocates, litigants and members of the public with little option but to walk on roads alongside moving traffic. Similar conditions were reported in several parts of Hyderabad.
Expressing concern over the lack of progress, the High Court granted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Traffic Police and HYDRAA a final two weeks to submit a comprehensive report detailing the measures taken to clear encroachments and restore pedestrian access. The court directed authorities to begin immediate enforcement and ensure that the drive extends across the city.
Justice Shravan Kumar emphasized that footpaths are meant exclusively for pedestrians and cannot be allowed to become commercial spaces or parking zones. The court reiterated its earlier instructions for regular anti encroachment drives, strict action against illegal parking and the installation of permanent protective barriers to prevent cleared footpaths from being occupied again.
The court also referred to previous Supreme Court rulings highlighting the importance of protecting public spaces and ensuring that unauthorized constructions and planning violations are not granted legal protection. Authorities were reminded to follow due process while carrying out enforcement actions.
The case forms part of a broader effort by the Telangana High Court to reclaim public walkways across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Earlier this year, the court ordered a citywide crackdown on footpath encroachments after senior citizens complained that blocked pavements and illegal parking had made walking unsafe, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable groups.
The High Court has warned that it expects visible progress when the matter comes up for hearing again in two weeks, signaling that continued inaction by authorities may invite stricter scrutiny.
