Munje Sq: Mockery of civic order
| Date :19-Mar-2024 |
By Dheeraj Fartode
The Enforcement Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Sitabuldi Traffic Police seem to be turning a blind eye to the encroached footpaths and haphazardly parked auto-rickshaws at Munje Square. The negligence, and the resultant continued chaos, not only causes hurdles for vehicular traffic, but also poses challenges for pedestrians. The closure of the road connecting Jhansi Rani Square to Panchsheel Square due to bridge construction has led to a sudden increase in vehicular density on roads passing through Munje Square. However, the NMC has made no attempt to get the roads leading to the square cleared. All roads leading to the square are encroached upon by food vendors and shopkeepers. The civic authority has failed to address the grievances of commuters who have a tough time on these roads.
“The situation is becoming unbearable for us. The footpaths are completely taken over by food vendors, leaving no space for us to walk,” said Pankaj Deshmukh, a frustrated commuter. Food vendors have set up their stalls directly on the footpaths, even spilling onto the main road, which indicates a blatant disregard for any potential action by NMC officials. At Munje Square, in particular, the footpaths are fully occupied by these vendors which leaves commuters with little room to manoeuvre. Similarly, shopkeepers have extended their establishments onto the footpaths by erecting steel boards which obstruct the path meant for pedestrians. Shockingly, the NMC's Enforcement Department is yet to take any action against these illegal encroachments.
The chaotic situation is exacerbated by the haphazardly parked two-wheelers and four-wheelers on the main roads, further impeding the flow of traffic. The Sitabuldi Traffic Division also appears to be neglecting the issue. “The auto-rickshaws line up from the metro station gate which causes traffic jams and makes it difficult for vehicles to navigate through the square,” complained a resident. The lack of action by NMC officials and Traffic Police against these illegal activities has left citizens questioning their commitment to addressing the issues plaguing Munje Square. “Why aren't the NMC officials and Traffic Police taking action against these illegal activities? This negligence is unacceptable,” remarked another citizen. As the situation worsens, the commuters question whether the authorities will take quick action to alleviate the chaos and restore order to Munje Square.