MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
The Pink Booth introduced in Paltan Bazaar a few years ago to ensure women’s safety in the busiest market of Dehradun is not meeting its intended purpose, with police personnel absent and the booth turning into a garbage dump. The local residents and traders have stated that apart from the purpose not being met, the position of the booth in the middle of the road is exacerbating the traffic and parking problem in the area, already suffering from it. When this issue was brought to the notice of the Dehradun senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh, he said that he has taken serious cognisance of the issue and assured that necessary action will be taken promptly.
It will be recalled that ‘The Pioneer’ had earlier highlighted the issue of the Pink Booth in Paltan Bazaar, a measure taken by the district administration for women’s security, which has failed to achieve its purpose and has instead become a garbage dump. Female residents had expressed dismay at the absence of police personnel at the booth, which has become a neglected spot. Despite this, no action was taken by the authorities concerned. Shopkeepers have also expressed concern regarding this issue and urged the authorities to address it.
On the condition of anonymity, a shopkeeper said that the Pink Booth was set up to ensure the safety and security of women in Paltan Bazaar. He said that during its initial establishment, police personnel were present at the booth, but over time, that primary purpose has not been upheld due to their absence. Further, the lack of police presence has negatively affected the booth’s condition, causing it to become a garbage dump. Additionally, since the Pink Booth is located in the middle of the road, it has contributed to traffic congestion, as there is no police in the booth to regulate parking. In light of these issues, the authorities should take immediate action, he added.
“ Initially, when the Pink Booth was established, the authorities should have focused on placing it at the corner of the road in the Bazaar rather than in the centre. Although it was set up in the central location, the intended purpose of the booth has not been achieved. Instead of providing safety for women, it has become a dumping ground due to the lack of police presence in it,” stated a shopkeeper.
He further said that the absence of police staff has not only led to the booth becoming a garbage site but has also contributed to increased traffic congestion. If the authorities do not act on this matter, they should consider removing the pink booth, as it is merely occupying space in the market, resulting in a garbage dump and further traffic issues.
Talking to The Pioneer, SSP Singh said that police personnel are usually stationed at the pink booth in Paltan Bazaar. However, they are occasionally redeployed to other locations due to exigencies. He assured that this has not compromised security in the area, as about a dozen more CCTV cameras have been installed in the market. Regarding concerns about the pink booth being used as a garbage dump and other issues, he acknowledged the issue and assured that prompt action would be taken to address it.
