We have the familiar paan stains and spit walls that are often found on so much infrastructure
Hawkers occupy space on the Virar West skywalk, blocking pedestrian movement; (right) vendors have turned parts of the Virar East skywalk into makeshift storage areas. Pics/By Sepcial Arrangement
Twin skywalks connecting Virar East and West, once envisioned as safe pedestrian corridors, are now overrun by squatters, beggars, and drug addicts. Thousands of daily commuters now avoid the bridges altogether, preferring to risk the chaotic roads below rather than face filth and fear above.
A similar scenario is observed at other skywalks in the city, which are either dangerous or have become homes for squatters, with people sleeping on the skywalk, makeshift cooking setups, and garbage mounds. The area near the staircases has become an open toilet for the children of squatters, creating an unbearable stench that mocks the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. We have the familiar paan stains and spit walls that are often found on so much infrastructure.
This skywalk stands next to the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation’s C ward office and the Virar police station. Locals say the isolation has turned the western skywalk into a hangout for couples and college groups. Illegal hoardings and banners have also mushroomed along the landing arm — another civic violation left unchecked.
It is time we have a concerted effort to clean up and maintain all skywalks. Sporadic efforts bear no fruit and are, in fact, a waste of time, money, and resources. We must remember that huge sums were spent on building these skywalks in order to decongest roads and allow for a smoother traffic flow. If that was the reason, and the purpose remains unfulfilled, action should be taken.
The agency or civic arm responsible must surely be aware of all the problems dogging skywalks. They do not need citizens or reports flagging these to serve as eye-openers. Let the skywalks function for what they were intended to. Start the ‘skywalks are meant to walk’ campaign no later than today.
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