Mysuru: Mysuru City Corporation’s (MCC) drive to clear footpath encroachments has slowed, with permanent structures continuing to occupy pedestrian space in key parts of the city.In the heart of Mysuru, pedestrians continue to face obstacles as electricity poles and Sulabh toilets remain located directly on footpaths. A toilet has been built on footpath space near Sanskrit College on Chamaraja Double Road, and another has come up on Dewan’s Road near the Devaraja Urs Road junction. Electricity poles on NS Road near Freedom Fighters Park have also been causing inconvenience to the public.Residents and commuters say the drive’s purpose is defeated when permanent structures continue to occupy pedestrian space. They point out that footpaths are meant for safe walking, especially for senior citizens, children and people with disabilities. Any obstruction forces pedestrians onto the road, increasing the risk of accidents.MCC officials, however, maintain that the work has not been stopped entirely. They attributed the reduced pace to ongoing citywide cleanliness initiatives ahead of Independence Day, including the clearing of 80 garbage points, and preparations linked to Dasara-related works.Officials said the drive was continuing but at a slower pace because multiple priorities were being handled simultaneously.Responding to the concerns, MCC commissioner MK Savitha said the situation would be reviewed and that decisions on relocation or removal would depend on assessing the utility of structures such as Sulabh toilets.Officials indicated that if toilets are found to be unused or if electricity poles are creating significant hurdles for pedestrians, those locations would be taken up on priority for corrective action.At the same time, MK Savitha said the immediate focus would be on removing abandoned, unusable, unregistered or ownerless vehicles parked in public places.
