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. If possible, the traffic police can also explore a proposal to restrict the movement of cars on some road stretches. We don't want people visiting pandals to face any problems," he said.
According to Bhaven Shah, a trader operating out of Bajirao Road, the traffic police should not allow double parking on roads. "As most roads are occupied by pandals and arches, roadside parking will become a major problem during the festivities. The authorities can look to provide alternate parking at open grounds," Shah said.
A Ganesh mandal worker from the Sinhagad Road area said there was no point in blaming the mandals for the traffic chaos as most roads in the city were in deplorable condition. The traffic police said plans were being prepared for the festival. "More wardens will be on the roads and at strategic locations to manage the traffic.
Parking on some road stretches will not be allowed," an officer said. CITIZENS' SUGGESTIONS Keep the traffic moving and avoid unnecessary road closures Ban heavy vehicles on busy roads and roadside parking Private firms can allow work from home during the 10-day festival to reduce traffic on roads Provide temporary parking at open spaces for motorists..
