In a viral video, a man stands in the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency and points to a footpath being laid with special blocks. Unlike the solid cement used earlier, these blocks have holes in them.
He explains that the design allows rainwater to drain straight into the ground instead of running off a sealed surface. According to him, this would help raise the groundwater level and ensure that trees and plants along the footpath get enough water.
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The man credits Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's government for the work, calling it part of continued efforts to make Delhi more developed. “This is really good work being done to make Delhi even better,” he says in the video.
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Blocks with gaps or holes are generally used to let water soak into the soil rather than flow into drains. This can reduce waterlogging during heavy rain and help recharge groundwater, especially in cities where most surfaces are covered with concrete.
The Internet Spots a Catch
Not everyone online was fully convinced. X user @yogesharma92 replied with a single line, “Basic edge case,” along with an AI-generated image of a woman's high heel stuck in one of the holes in the blocks.
???? Delhi is introducing new footpaths across the city. https://t.co/U2jIe6cRX6
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) October 29, 2026
The response highlighted a concern some users raised: while the design may be good for the environment, the gaps could make walking difficult for people wearing heels, and possibly for others too.
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A Divided Response
The clip has prompted a debate online. Supporters see the footpath as a practical step towards better water management in the city, while critics say designs like these need to balance environmental benefits with how comfortable and safe they are for everyone who walks on them.
Here are the reactions:
these footpaths are sooooo bad I tried walking on these and tripped and fell about 5 times and decided to walk on the road instead
— pintu2 🇵🇸 (@pintutoo) October 29, 2026
Women with high hills , kids with tiny feet , ppl with trolleys can't walk on this footpath. Ppl using crutches can't walk here either ! Blind ppl can't use their white cane. Who made the design?
— Vishal 🇮🇳 (@TheVishalKay) October 29, 2026
What a pathetic idea. How will women with heeled slippers walk on this? The uneven sand settling will create so much issues later. They have created a highly user friendly footpaths.
— ಬೂತಯ್ಯನ ಮಗ ಅಯ್ಯು (@Power_monger) October 29, 2026
@gupta_rekha Potential issues with these open-hole permeable blocks on a footpath: Large voids create an uneven surface that can trap heels, cane tips or wheelchair/stroller wheels, raising trip risks for elderly, disabled or high-heel users. Holes easily clog with dirt, litter and sediment, reducing rainwater infiltration without frequent cleaning. Blocks may shift or settle unevenly if the base is weak, worsening the surface over time. Grass fill (if planned) needs ongoing watering and maintenance impractical on busy urban paths.
— Rajni (@RajniRajni2210) October 29, 2026
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