Encroachments, traffic snarls back to haunt residents in festive season

The festive season has brought with it rampant encroachments, traffic snarls and insanitary conditions in Rohtak, posing inconvenience to residents.

Though tall claims were made by the local police, municipal authorities as well as the district administration over preparedness, the management of the city affairs seems to be in a mess.

Local residents, especially shopkeepers, who encroach upon public space and throw garbage at undesignated spots, are equally to blame for the state of affairs.

As shopkeepers try to make the most of the festive season by displaying their goods outside their shops and putting up stalls by encroaching upon pavements, roads and streets with impunity, little space is left for parking of vehicles.

“Going to a local market has become challenging these days due to acute traffic congestion, increased pollution, lack of parking spaces and insanitation,” laments Geeta, a local resident.

Residents point out that there is large-scale defacement of property which makes presents an ugly picture of the city.

“Rohtak has become a dirty city due to gross insanitation, potholed roads, poor sewerage and rampant defacement of public and private property. I have spoken to the local Municipal Commissioner, who has promised to take effective action in this regard,” stated local MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra.

Batra said he had also taken up the issues with the state authorities and hoped to see some positive changes.

“I will also apprise the Chief Minister of the situation prevailing in Rohtak and seek his personal intervention and demand a special package for the city,” said the MLA.