Residents of the Paddal ward of the Mandi Municipal Corporation, along with members of the Senior Citizens Association, have demanded the immediate repair and beautification of pedestrian footpaths on both sides of the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) bridge and along the adjoining National Highway-21 up to Bheuli.

SD Chandla, a resident of the Paddal ward, says that the footpaths on both sides of the bridge have been damaged at several places, making it difficult for senior citizens, students and pedestrians to walk on them safely. He adds that the lack of a proper drainage system worsens the condition during the monsoon season. Another local resident Shubham Sharma says, “We have requested the authorities concerned to lay non-slippery tiles on the footpaths and extend them up to Government Degree College, Panchayat Ghar, and further towards the Bheuli bridge via the Paddal gurdwara.”

The residents say that the work will ensure pedestrian safety while enhancing the overall appearance of the town. They highlight the poor condition of the link road from the National Highway-21 towards Paddal Mohalla and the road leading to the ITI Hostel, saying that the area has been ignored for years.

Paddal ward councillor Nirmal Verma says that she is aware of the matter. She adds that the road and the footpaths fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department (PWD) and she will pursue the matter with it.

Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathour says that he has also taken up the matter with the PWD and has been assured of timely maintenance of the damaged pedestrian pathways. Meanwhile, Executive Engineer (XEN), Public Works Department, DK Verma says that tenders for the repair and maintenance of the pedestrian footpaths have been floated. He adds that formalities are being fulfilled and the maintenance work will commence soon.