The Telangana High Court has issued strong directions to the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Traffic Police officials to expedite the removal of illegal encroachments on footpaths and pavements across Hyderabad.

The court has also directed the authorities to ensure that the encroachments do not reappear once they are removed.

The case was filed by a group of senior citizens who alleged that roads and footpaths in Hyderabad and other towns are in poor condition. They pointed out that footpaths are cluttered with garbage, illegal shops and unauthorised parked vehicles, making it difficult and unsafe for pedestrians to walk.

The court has sought a detailed progress report from the authorities and posted the next hearing for 9th June.