PUNE, 10 NOV. In response to persistent traffic congestion and chaotic traffic flow on city roads, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) administration has decided to launch a comprehensive survey campaign to remove encroachments. Instructions have been issued to all regional offices to conduct surveys within their respective jurisdictions. Following this survey, registered street vendors (pathari vyavasayiyon) will be rehabilitated in alternative locations. A joint inspection by the Municipal administration and the traffic police revealed that increasing encroachments on roads are obstructing vehicle movement, causing the traffic jam problem to become more severe daily. Consequently, the joint meeting decided to give the highest priority to the encroachment removal drive in the city.
Rehabilitation and Action Plan
During the meeting, it was decided that a list of registered street vendors falling under each regional office would be prepared. Vendors in areas most affected by traffic congestion will be rehabilitated in suitable nearby locations. In this regard, Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., Deputy Commissioner of the Encroachment Department Somnath Bankar, and other senior officials visited the Hadapsar area. During the inspection, a decision was made to create a bus bay at Hadapsar Gadital and rehabilitate the vendors operating in that area.
Additional Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. stated that "All regional offices have been directed to prepare a list of registered vendors in their areas, identify traffic-congested spots, and survey alternative locations for rehabilitation. Additionally, a meeting of the Street Vendor Committee will be held to discuss the rehabilitation process and related policies." He further warned that if any vendor is found conducting business at the same location again after rehabilitation, strict action will be taken against them. The administration's move is expected to not only help in freeing the roads from encroachment but also in streamlining the city's traffic management system.
Citizen Relief Expected
City residents believe that if this campaign is strictly implemented, it could bring relief from traffic congestion on major Pune routes such as Swargate, Hadapsar, Shivajinagar, and the D.K. Nagar area. Citizens have long been complaining about traffic disruption caused by encroachments and unorganized vendors.
The PMC administration is set to conduct this campaign on a large scale in the coming days. It will not only remove street vendors set up on roadsides but also take action against the occupation of footpaths by shops and private establishments. The administration's objective is to make the city's roads clean, safe, and accessible for traffic, providing citizens with unhindered movement. This step is expected to lead to a significant improvement in Pune's traffic problems and provide citizens with a better urban environment.
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