Hyderabad: In a mafia-like operation, shopkeepers are renting out vacant spaces in front of their establishments, said Hyderabad police commissioner C.V. Anand on Tuesday. About 1,500 vehicles were being registered daily across the tri-commissionerate area, the roads are not expanding at the same rate.
With 88 lakh vehicles on the move, road encroachments were compounding the problem, Anand said even as he oversaw civic teams removing encroachments on the roads of Tolichowki on Tuesday as part of Operation ROPE.
Narrating his experience with traffic issues, Anand, once the traffic joint commissioner of police, said his priority is to provide an easy commute. He explained that footpath encroachments, which had turned into illegal renting operations, were a major roadblock in solving traffic issues. "Many shopkeepers rent out footpath spaces, creating a mafia-like system. When we try to remove these encroachments, they resist us and question us as to how would they survive," he said.
Besides, the police teams have also conducted a special dive against unauthorised sirens and horns. Police destroyed 1,500 sirens and horns that were seized during various incidents.
Speaking about the misuse of sirens and lights, Anand said, "No one except police patrol vehicles is allowed to use red, blue lights or sirens. If your vehicle has these, remove them immediately. By doing so, you will be supporting our efforts in managing the traffic situation."
The commissioner also addressed the issue of illegal parking, another factor that is aggravating the traffic jams. "Vehicles are parked haphazardly, blocking roads and footpaths. We need stricter enforcement to curb this issue," he noted further emphasising the importance of cooperation from the elected representatives to ensure the enforcement.
“We need to tackle the root causes of traffic congestion. Everyone —citizens, officials and political leaders — must cooperate in removing encroachments and ensuring free roads.”
Anand made it clear that Operation ROPE would continue until significant changes were achieved. "This operation will continue daily with cranes and towing away vehicles on roads and work on removing the obstructions. We must all work together to improve the situation. With public support, we can overcome the growing traffic problems," he concluded.
