Residents demand shifting of markets out of Sirsa to end daily traffic chaos

In Sirsa, daily struggle with heavy traffic jams has become a part of life for residents. The main reason behind this congestion is the location of the city’s three major markets — Anaj Mandi (grain market), Sabzi Mandi (vegetable market) and Lakkar Mandi (timber market) — right in heart of the town. For years, promises have been made by successive governments to move these markets outside the city, but those assurances have never turned into reality.

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Former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar did initiate steps to shift markets. Land has been acquired near the Dabwali bypass for this purpose. However, work is progressing at a very slow pace. In response to this delay, the Nagar Parishad (Citizens’ Council) of Sirsa has written a letter to the Chief Minister, urging him to speed up the project. They also suggested using 308 acres of land already acquired in Sector 21 and 22 for the project. This land, they say, is lying unused and could be ideal for relocating all three markets and even the city’s bus stand.

At present, the grain market is surrounded by residential areas. During wheat and rice procurement seasons, roads around markets are completely blocked. Residents are forced to deal with sacks of grains piled up in front of their houses. People have been demanding relocation of this market for a long time.

A Nagrik Parishad member said, “This issue has existed since the time of the Chautala and Hooda governments. Although promises were made and hopes raised, but nothing changed. When the BJP government came into power, CM Khattar announced shifting of the markets. Following this, the government acquired 56 acres, 3 kanals and 17 marlas of land near the Dabwali bypass and some work begun. But according to residents, it is moving at a snail’s pace.”

The Nagrik Parishad believes that if markets are shifted to the acquired land, the current spaces in the city could be used for some other useful purpose. The parishad has proposed building a shopping complex and multi-storey parking on the grain market land. The vegetable and timber market lands could also be used for useful projects. This, the parishad says would not only solve the traffic issue, but also improve the overall appearance of the city.

The Agriculture Marketing Board responded to the council’s letter stating that work had started on setting up a combined market at the new site, which would include the grain, timber and vegetable markets.

Surendra Bhatia, secretary, Nagrik Parishad, also highlighted health hazards caused by the timber market. He said, “Large logs are left on roads, causing blockades. Sawdust from machines pollutes the air, making it hard for people to breathe.”

Residents are hoping that the government will finally act on its promises and complete the long-awaited relocation of the markets.