HUBBALLI: Encroachment of footpaths is nothing new in Hubballi. Despite several attempts by police and civic authorities to clear the footpaths, the issue remains unsolved.Now, long stretches of footpaths in front of Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation office have been encroached by vehicles for parking purposes, that too by the visitors of HDMC. Many are parking their two-wheelers haphazardly on the footpath right in front of HDMC.Though the commissioner and all other senior officials use the same road, they do not bother to take any action. It is also affecting smooth movement of traffic.Dr Pandurang Patil, former mayor, said there is no administration at all in HDMC. It is unfortunate to hear that for four days, vehicles are being parked in front of the entrance gate and also on the footpath. Officials should take a serious look into it and take appropriate action, he said.Those who visit HDMC park their vehicles on the footpaths, because of which pedestrians use roads to reach their destination. Two-wheelers and even autos often park fearlessly on the footpath.A security guard at the entrance gate of HDMC said he was finding it difficult to convince people not to park on footpaths or in front of entrance gate. "Some construction work is under process at the entrance gate and we are requesting motorists to use other gate (exit way), but the people, instead using the alternative gate, park their vehicles in front of the entrance gate itself," he said.S M Sandigwad, ACP, traffic, said soon after the issue related to parking of vehicles on footpaths came to his notice, he had asked concerned officials to initiate action. Since Wednesday, vehicles parked on the footpaths have been taken to police station. Even on Thursday, many bikes were seized for parking on footpath, he added.S C Bewoor, PRO, HDMC, said that for time being, vehicles are barred from entering through the entrance gate due to gate installation work. Everything will be settled in 2-3 days. When asked about the inconvenience to pedestrians, he said he had already asked security persons not to allow vehicles to park on footpaths.

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