Harman Singh Sidhu, the president of the ArriveSAFE NGO, had filed a Right to Information (RTI) request, which led the Central Information Commission (CIC) to give a show-cause notice to the Public Information Officers (PIOs) of Chandigarh’s UT Engineering Department based on claims they didn’t furnish vital information over a pedestrian crossing behind Neelam Cinema located at Sector 17.
Sidhu has voiced dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the project, stating that the tables were badly constructed. He claims that it fails to fulfil accessibility criteria established under the Harmonised Guidelines and Criteria for Universal Accessibility in India 2021 and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016. According to Sidhu, the crossing presents considerable obstacles for physically impaired people and creates dangerous situations for bicycles and two-wheelers.
The CIC’s notice highlights the failure of the PIOs to comply with the FAA’s directives and to appear before the Commission despite multiple notices. The Commission criticised the PIOs for their disregard of the RTI Act and the Commission’s orders, considering it a serious breach of the law.
In addition to the legal ramifications, the Commission has directed the current PIO to adhere to the FAA’s order and provide the requested information within four weeks. This action is intended to ensure compliance with the RTI Act and to address the transparency issues surrounding the construction project.
The UT Administration began constructing the tabletop pathway in September 2022, aiming to improve pedestrian safety in the bustling area behind Neelam Cinema. However, ongoing concerns about its design and execution have sparked public outcry and calls for greater accountability from the administration.
