Nagpur markets choke with traffic jams and encroachment ahead of Diwali

As Diwali nears, crowds of shoppers are growing in Nagpur's large markets. But traffic jams are dampening the festive bustle. Encroachment, haphazard parking and a lack of arrangements by the administration are causing long queues of vehicles in the city's commercial areas. The problem recurs every year and remains unchanged this time too, and public anger is rising.

The jams are most severe in major market areas such as Mahal, Itwari, Gandhibagh, Badkas Chowk, Jaripatka, Sadar, Dharampeth and Satranjipura. Shopkeepers and vendors have illegally occupied roads and footpaths. Vehicles parked haphazardly along the roadside have further reduced the space left for movement.

As a result, two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers are struggling to find a way through. Shoppers coming to the markets are also facing trouble because of the crush of vehicles and narrow roads.

The municipal commissioner has launched "Mission 100 Days" to resolve various problems of the city. Even so, the state of encroachment and jams in the markets before Diwali has not improved as much as expected. Sanjay Balpande, a former corporator from Central Nagpur, has questioned how the anti-encroachment squad works.

Balpande said the issue had been raised in the general body meeting. Mayor Nita Thakre had also directed that action be taken. But in reality, no concrete action was taken. The question being asked is what the administration's stance on action against encroachers really is.

The jams have made travelling in the city even more troublesome. Expressing his anger, Vinod Jethani said that on any route in the city, the journey takes hours. Going to the market in the evening in particular has become a headache.

Venugopal Agarwal questioned the administration's arrangements. He said everyone knows the markets are very crowded every Diwali, yet no measures are taken in advance.

The crowds are likely to grow further for Diwali shopping. Additional deployment of traffic police, a drive to remove encroachments and separate parking arrangements for vehicles are therefore necessary. If this does not happen, Nagpur residents may face even bigger jams during the festival days.