PNS | DEHRADUN
Citizens in Dehradun have expressed their concerns regarding the ongoing election campaign for the urban local body elections, noting that it has exacerbated traffic congestion and noise pollution in the city. They indicated that the candidates’ election campaign activities, which involve auto rickshaws and other vehicles traversing the city, have contributed to increased traffic, causing delays for commuters. They said that while authorities claim to acknowledge noise pollution as an issue, the honking associated with vehicles during election rallies has significantly heightened the noise pollution throughout the city.
Local resident Ujjwal Gupta said that the election campaign taking place throughout the city has exacerbated traffic congestion. He said that the nominated candidates are using auto rickshaws and other vehicles for their campaign. However, these vehicles often pause for approximately 12 to 20 minutes in various locations to inform residents about the candidates, leading to increased traffic congestion at times. Consequently, commuters are experiencing challenges in arriving at their destinations punctually. Gupta said that over the past week, he has repeatedly arrived late at his office due to the ongoing election campaign. He suggested that the duration of the campaign should be restricted and should not be permitted during peak traffic hours.
“I have noticed that the number of vehicles utilised for election campaigning by the candidates for various activities has become problematic for the public. As election campaigns incorporate auto rickshaws, rallies and other means, the traffic in the city has increased day by day. Additionally, the rallies have contributed to noise pollution, as the vehicles used during these events attract attention through persistent honking. It is essential to establish limitations on election campaigns during each election,” said another local Virendra Tiwari.
Cherry Kumari also expressed her concerns regarding the election campaigns for the ULB election, which seem to be exacerbating traffic congestion in the city. She said that the authorities should ave limited campaigning timing, particularly during peak hours, to address the challenges faced by commuters.
