LUCKNOW, May 12 -- Damaged footpaths and unchecked encroachments on several roads in the state capital are forcing pedestrians to walk on busy carriageways, raising safety concerns and exposing gaps in civic maintenance and enforcement by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC). An inspection conducted by HT on Saturday and Sunday across key stretches, including VIP routes frequently used by senior officials and politicians, found broken pavements, cave-ins and widespread encroachments by vendors, traders and shopkeepers. When informed about the issue, municipal commissioner Gaurav Kumar said the LMC regularly undertakes anti-encroachment drives to keep footpaths clear. He said the damaged stretches would be inspected and appropriate action would be taken for repairs and removal of encroachments. The problem was prominently visible on the stretch between Lohiya intersection and Samta Mulak intersection. During the nearly 1.6-km route, footpaths at three locations were found damaged and uneven, forcing pedestrians to step onto the main road amid moving traffic. The situation was equally alarming on the road connecting Samta Mulak intersection and 1090 intersection. On the bridge stretch, large portions of footpaths on both sides had caved in, while several slabs remained broken or missing. The damaged condition made the pathways unsafe for pedestrians. In localities such as Gomti Nagar Extension, newly constructed footpaths have already started deteriorating. Several stretches have also turned into permanent encroachment zones. Yuvraj Singh, a resident of the Jopling Road area, alleged that anti-encroachment drives by civic authorities have failed to bring long-term relief....