Pune The Pune Municipal Corporation appears to have forgotten its own Pedestrian Day initiative, launched five years ago to promote safe and obstruction-free walking. The civic body usually marks Pedestrian Day on December 11 by making Laxmi Road vehicle-free and hosting various public activities. This year, however, no preparations have been made.
Last year, the PMC had organised a major event on December 19. The stretch from Umbrya Ganpati Chowk to Garud Ganpati Chowk was kept vehicle-free from 11 am to 4 pm. Citizens participated in walking plazas, activities, and cultural programs. The initiative had also earned Pune the distinction of being the first city in the country where a municipal corporation celebrates Pedestrian Day.
But this Thursday, December 19, Laxmi Road will operate as usual, with no special plans in place. Many citizens have criticised the PMC for abandoning an effort meant to improve pedestrian safety and reduce pollution. They are asking why the initiative has been ignored this year.
Responding to the criticism, Aniruddha Pawaskar head of PMC’s road department, said the corporation is working on celebrating Pedestrian Day in a grand manner and is planning activities under the guidance of Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram.