Homeless encroach on footpaths, locals flag insanitary conditions

The increasing presence of homeless families, camping on footpaths, near Baradari Garden has become a growing concern for residents.

With the historic garden being a popular destination among the city’s residents and even other people seeking leisure and exercise, encroachments by the homeless on the footpath outside it is causing inconvenience.

According to the locals, the number of homeless people living along the roadside near the garden has led to problems with sanitation. They complained that the administration officials concerned were turning a blind eye towards the issue.

These homeless, all migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have put up temporary sheds on the mall road outside the PSPCL office and make their children beg for money and food there, said the residents, who frequent the area almost on the daily.

Residents have complained that these people have become a major source of nuisance. “Children of the homeless can often be seen defecating in the open, littering the road and the garden,” said Vinod Sharma, a frequent visitor to the garden. He added, “It has become very difficult to enter the garden, as the homeless surround people, seeking alms. This has turned into a menace and the authorities concerned need to take action to relocate them to a suitable place.”

Several visitors have echoed these concerns. Morning and evening walkers, who visit the garden for exercise, are particularly affected. “The presence of homeless families around the park is making it uncomfortable for the regular visitors, especially when they are approached for money. The unhygienic conditions, with open defecation and garbage strewn about, are not what one expects when coming for a walk,” Sharma added.

Narinder Singh, a retired principal, highlighted another issue. “Some of the homeless people have been seen consuming alcohol or drugs, creating a nuisance for those passing by. This not only disturbs the peace, but also affects the reputation of this historic location,” he said.

The problem extends beyond just the garden. Another resident pointed out that many of these people flock at nearby religious places, seeking donations from devotees. The local authorities concerned have been urged to take swift action to address the problem many times, said another resident.

The residents believe that relocating these people to a more suitable area will not only improve the situation for those visiting the Baradari Garden, but also provide a safer and cleaner environment for the homeless.

Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav said a team was already constituted to keep a check on the matter. She said: “We were busy conducting the panchayat polls. Now that the elections are over we will be looking into the issue and take appropriate action.”