Diwali shopping snarls Nagpur markets, with traffic jams from Mahal to Itwari

Traffic in Nagpur's big markets has worsened as Diwali shopping begins. The festive season is at its peak, but the city's old problems remain as they were. Complaints of traffic jams are coming in from Mahal, Itwari, Gandhibagh, Jaripatka, Sadar and Dharampeth. People say the traffic police and the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) have made no firm arrangements to handle the crowds.

In the markets, people are finding their own way through as best they can. Traffic policemen on the spot appear to be mere "silent spectators". In the main commercial areas, including Mahal, Itwari, Gandhibagh, Badkas Chowk, Jaripatka, Sadar, Dharampeth and Sakkardara, unauthorised shopkeepers and vendors have taken over roads and footpaths. Vehicles parked haphazardly on the roads add to the trouble. At several major intersections there are also not enough traffic personnel, which is making the jams worse.

The commissioner had launched Mission 100 Days, but its success is nowhere to be seen in the markets just before Diwali. The picture on the ground is the opposite, and the markets have been completely taken over.

Sanjay Balpande, former corporator from Central Nagpur, alleges that the NMC's anti-encroachment squad ignores complaints. He says he raised the issue at a general body meeting. Mayor Neeta Thakre had also ordered action, but in Balpande's words, nothing happened on the ground.

Ordinary people are also angry. Vinod Jethani says getting around the city has become extremely stressful. The time spent in traffic has multiplied, and people are paying for the failure of the agencies. He says that travelling on any route now takes hours, that this has ruined the mood for shopping, and that people do not want to leave their homes. Heading to the market in the evening in particular has become a headache.

Experts say the biggest problem is a lack of coordination. The traffic police cannot escape their responsibility by citing encroachment as an excuse, and the NMC cannot wash its hands by pleading a shortage of manpower.

Venugopal Agrawal asks why the administration does not plan ahead when crowds every Diwali are certain. He asks why the public should bear the punishment for officials' failure. People's attachment to Nagpur's main markets remains strong. Everyone knows people will come, yet no step is taken to improve arrangements.

Aarti Kushwaha says the ground reality does not change despite complaints, which is why questions are raised about how these squads work. According to her, they work as they please. There seems to be more "leniency" and less action. Vehicles come and go for show, but the officials and staff sitting there see nothing. The public even laughs, but it makes no difference to them.