Traffic, encroachments choke markets

Gagan K Teja

Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 7

Unregulated markets, inadequate space for pedestrians, congestion on main roads and the danger posed to motorists by stray cattle are some of the problems faced by residents of Ward No. 46 to 50. Notably, pavements in several areas such as Adalat Bazaar, Ghair Sodhian, Acharan Ala Bazaar, Khalsa Mohalla, Kashmir Ala Tobba, TB Hospital road and Chhoti Baradari have been encroached upon by traders and hawkers, leaving very little space for pedestrians.

Moreover, the water supply in some of the areas is also an issue, which aggravates during the summer. In some areas, choking sewarage causes trouble to residents. Despite repeated complaints, the MC takes many days to clear the blocked.

Traffic jams continue to be another major issue in the area despite the fact that four-wheelers are denied entry to many areas. Though various organisations have urged the district administration to formulate a traffic plan for the city and regulate the vehicular traffic, the proposals are yet to be accepted.

Local resident Vishal Kumar says, "It is almost impossible to cross these busy market areas even on foot but nothing was done to check the problem. Moreover, many vendors have displayed their goods on roadside, further adding to the problem.” Another resident, Ravjeet Kaur, said, "There is extreme dearth of potable water. The pressure of water is so low that residents sometimes have to do without water. They have got Tullu pumps installed. It is the duty of the corporation to provide basic amenities but they have miserably failed to cater to our needs." 

Congress candidate Harvinder Singh Nippy slammed the previous SAD-BJP government for the plight of the residents. He said, "The previous regime failed to take any concrete step to solve grievances of people. Stray cattle are a common sight, resulting in several accidents in the past. Whenever we used to go to them, their only answer was that the projects are in the pipeline but nothing has been done even after a decade."

What residents say

"It is almost impossible to cross these busy market areas even on foot but nothing was done to check the problem. Moreover, many vendors have displayed their goods on the roadside, adding to the problem." Vishal Kumar

"There is dearth of potable water. The pressure is so low that residents sometimes have to do without water. They have got Tullu pumps installed." Ravjeet Kaur