A WEEKLY CAMPAIGN IS NECESSARY TO REMOVE ENCROACHMENT

A WEEKLY CAMPAIGN IS NECESSARY TO REMOVE ENCROACHMENT

21-JUNE-ENG 28

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------The dense population of Ara city and the ever-increasing number of vehicles have made the traffic problem more complex in the past years. But if we go deeper into the reasons, the biggest reason for the jam is the illegal encroachment spreading on the roads. Whether it is the temporary shops set up on the footpaths, the carts and hawkers parked on the roadside, or construction material and private vehicles - all these not only obstruct the traffic, but are also becoming a threat to the safety and convenience of the people.

Today, jams have become a common thing in Ara city at main intersections like Bazar Samiti, Bus Stand, Pakri Chowk, Ramna Road, Dharhara Chowk, Shivganj, Gola Road, Station Road, Nawada Road etc. People going to school, office and market in the morning and evening have to remain stuck on the road for hours. Patients face difficulty in reaching the hospital. Even ambulances get stuck in the jam.

To get rid of this problem, it has become extremely necessary that the administration should mark at least one day in a week – like every Wednesday – as “Encroachment Removal Day”. On this day, a joint team of Municipal Corporation, Police Administration, Zonal Office and Traffic Department should run an intensive campaign on the main roads of the entire city and nearby villages and remove illegal encroachments.

Encroachers should be warned first and given an opportunity to remove it themselves.

Permanent alternative market places should be developed for shopkeepers who do business on the footpath or roadside.

It is important to make the common people understand that the road is only for walking, occupying it for personal interest is harmful for the entire society.

Once the encroachment is removed, it should be monitored regularly, so that it is not encroached again.

Administrative action can be successful only when the society itself becomes a partner in this change. If social workers, public representatives, students, businessmen and common citizens take a pledge that "we will neither encroach nor allow encroachment" - then Ara city can definitely become jam-free, beautiful and well-organized.

A one-time action is not enough to curb illegal encroachment. A long-term plan and continuous efforts are necessary for this. If this campaign is run honestly once a week, then its effect will be clearly visible in the coming few months. This initiative can be a strong start to give a new look to a historical city like Ara.