KARIMNAGAR, JULY 12, 2026: Thanks to the unscientific execution of Smart City works in Karimnagar town, wherein the wide roads were converted into narrow ones causing serious traffic snarls, freshly, the Municipal Corporation of Karimnagar authorities instead of removing encroachments on the roads had installed open gyms and fitness equipment on roadside at central verge opposite to Mamatha theatre in Karimnagar town causing traffic nuisance and road hazards.
Ironically, this site where the open gyms were installed comes under the ‘cycle track’ route as per the signboards erected by the MCK authorities at the Collectorate and Bhagathnagar crossroads. If the MCK were more concerned about the health of the people, it should have opened the open gym on the premises of Helipad park or at the Government primary school premises in Bhagathnagar.
How can the people in general and womenfolk in particular utilise the open gym on the busy road which is plagued with traffic snarls and non-availability of parking space due to encroachment of roads by vendors and other traders? The MCK can install another open gym at Ambedkar Stadium following the heavy rush for the utilisation of existing fitness equipment.
Several shopkeepers, open vendors and commercial establishments have been occupying and encroaching upon public spaces by displaying goods, construction materials, furniture, temporary structures and other articles. Some of them had even opened street food points on the roads and obstructed the free movement of pedestrians, hindered traffic flow and created public nuisance.
Incidentally, the footpaths at Municipal shopping complex in front of the office of MCK and Police headquarters shopping complexes in Karimnagar town are encroached by the shopkeepers by displaying their products. But, the MCK and traffic police officials remain mute spectators.
The Municipal Act clearly states that all public roads, footpaths, pavements, streets and public places are vested in and regulated by the Municipal or Town Council, and no individual is permitted to occupy, obstruct or encroach upon such areas without lawful authority.
But, neither MCK nor the Traffic police take any action to remove roadside vendors, street-food centres, goods, materials, temporary structures, stalls, furniture and any other articles placed on public footpaths, walkways, roadsides, drains and spaces in front of their premises.
Instead of encroaching on the public road by installing an open gym on the roadside, the MCK should act tough against the encroachers by removing all illegal encroachments in the entire town and ease traffic congestion.
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