MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
The persistent traffic woes caused by plying of both four-wheelers and three-wheelers in the city’s main market area, stretching from Hanuman Chowk to Paltan Bazaar, have worsened with the Holi festival approaching. Many shoppers have voiced concerns, noting that the traffic snarl-up is making it increasingly difficult for them to shop for Holi. They urge the authorities to step in immediately and initiate measures to mitigate their Holi marketing woes.
It is noteworthy that a substantial crowd was observed at the market on Monday, as people were making their final preparations for Holi. With the lunar eclipse falling on March 3, they say they would not go shopping that day. Consequently, the market saw increased footfalls and increased traffic mess ordeal.
One of the shoppers, Monisha Verma said that every time she visits Paltan Bazaar or Hanuman Chowk, she invariably encounters traffic congestion. She attributed this to the continuous entry of four-wheelers and the lack of action from authorities. “When I was in the market for Holi, things appeared to be in chaos with no one present to control the increased traffic volume. Haphazard parking made things far worse,” she rued.
Another resident, Varun Pandey echoed the same view, saying that things on the traffic front in the premier market of the city seem worsening with each passing day.
“The unrestricted entry of four-wheelers triggers a traffic mess which exacerbates during festive times. What the authorities must do now is to control and limit plying of four-wheelers. Unless this is done we will be forced to rely on online shopping and other options instead of visiting Paltan Bazaar or Hanuman Chowk physically,” he stated.
The president of the Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal (DVMUVM) Pankaj Masson supported the shoppers’ view and stated that they have also noted increased traffic congestion in the market area. “We recently approached the Kotwali in-charge, requesting him to ease the mess r by drawing up specific time restrictions for the entry of four-wheelers and others into the market area. There should be prohibition during peak hours,” he said and added that they have also urged the in-charge to prioritise safety and security at the market.
