Sopore, Mar 30 : The administration in north Kashmir’s Sopore town has intensified efforts to address the traffic congestion issues. It has deployed additional police personnel, traffic squads and municipal enforcement teams to tackle violations and ease congestion within the bustling Apple town.
Local residents said they have been repeatedly urging the administration to implement measures to facilitate smoother movement and emergency access. They said even pedestrians find it unsafe to pass through the congested streets during peak traffic hours.
Speaking with the news agency, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S A Raina said that proactive measures are being taken to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure a smoother flow of traffic in the town. He said the focus is on enhancing road safety, reducing traffic snarls and improving the overall traffic situation.
The deployment of police personnel, traffic squads, and municipal enforcement teams aims to address persistent traffic challenges, curb violations, enforce traffic rules and instill discipline among motorists, he said.
“We have identified three critical points where traffic congestion is particularly severe: from the clock tower to SDH, the main chowk, and Shahdargah spots. We have coordinated with the police and other departments, and they have assured increased deployment to tackle the situation,” Raina explained.
Regarding complaints about roadside parking and illegal occupation of roads by vendors and shopkeepers, the ADC assured strict measures to curb illegal parking. He said restrictions will be imposed on the entry of Heavy Motor Vehicles into the town in the coming days.
Earlier, efforts were made to remove the encroachment, illegal parking alongside roads and as well as relocation of street vendors from the busiest market of the town; however, that too didn’t last for long, according to residents.
However, they have appreciated the renewed efforts by the administration and expressed hope that these measures would result in tangible improvements.
“There is an urgent need for effective action to prevent the town from becoming paralyzed by traffic congestion during peak hours, which makes movement for both pedestrians and vehicles extremely challenging,” the residents said.
