Chaos reigns as encroachments galore on market roads in city

Encroachments by shopkeepers and roadside vendors in various markets across the city lead to frequent traffic jams. Despite several awareness campaigns having been launched by the traffic police and the municipal corporation, there is no permanent solution to the problem in sight.

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According to a recently held survey of the city, it was noticed that shopkeepers had extended their shops’ counters and operations onto the roads, and this problem was only being aggravated by the presence of roadside vendors. Railway road, Haibowal main market, Clock Tower chowk, Bhadaur House, Saban bazaar, Bijli market, Sarafa bazaar, Gurh mandi, Chawal bazaar, Meena bazaar, Barsati bazaar, Daresi road, Mochpura, Madhopuri etc were some of the worst affected areas.

Earlier the traffic police, along with the MC, had launched a campaign to remove these encroachments by shopkeepers and roadside vendors. After the drive was conducted, the vendors and shopkeepers stayed off the road for a few days, but it did not last too long.

It is pertinent to mention here that the traffic police have recently undertaken an initiative under which no vehicular traffic would be allowed into the ‘Chaura Bazaar’ on Saturday and Sunday. Due to the initiative, the problem of traffic hurdles has been resolved to a great extent. The police may also apply the same tactic in some other markets in the coming days.

ACP (traffic) Jatin Bansal urged shopkeepers and roadside vendors to avoid any kind of encroachments that could hinder the movement of traffic. He said people must cooperate with the traffic police and MC by following rules.