Pune: Citizens have demanded that maximum road stretches across the city be kept open for vehicular movement during the daytime over the 10-day Ganeshotsav starting next week to avert traffic troubles. The demand follows commuters’ complaints of utter chaos on some sections of the roads in the city during the Dahi Handi festivities. Road users said the civic authorities and the traffic police should also focus on keeping the traffic moving and ban the entry of heavy vehicles on busy roads, besides crack down on roadside parking during the festivities.
Politicians and a section of citizens have already approached the traffic police and PMC urging for a plan to reduce road users’ hardships during the 10-day period. Navi Peth resident Harsh Tithe said it was possible to celebrate the festival without chaos. “All the roads in the core city areas, where visitors’ footfall goes up in the evening hours, should be kept open for vehicles during the daytime.
Unnecessary closure of roads only leads to traffic chaos,” Tithe said. BJP politician Sandip Khardekar has submitted a letter to the city police, urging them to initiate necessary measures to maintain smooth vehicular flow. “Many citizens faced problems on the day of Dahi Handi because of the complete closure of some road stretches.
We expect the authorities to ensure detailed planning of traffic movement ahead of Ganeshotsav. We don’t want people visiting pandals to face any problems,” he said. According to Bhaven .