Crackdown On Illegal Parking Across Bhubaneswar As Shoppers Throng Markets On ‘Dhanteras’

Bhubaneswar: Markets in Odisha capital went buoyant on Dhanteras as people thronged markets in large numbers to shop for gold, silver, electronic items, and vehicles, besides diyas and firecrackers.

The side effect: Traffic moved at a snail’s pace at several places, including Chandrasekharpur, Damana-Sailashree Vihar route, Unit-1, and Unit-2 market areas, Janpath, Sahid Nagar, and Master Canteen area.

Following the traffic chaos, teams of Commissionerate Police were deputed to the ground to ease the vehicular movement. As the wayward parking was putting pressure on the traffic flow, an illegal parking enforcement drive, which began on Thursday, continued on Saturday evening to decongest roads interspersing market areas. Twelve bikes and 16 cars were towed away and a fine of Rs. 25,200 was also imposed on the offenders.

Assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Swastik Panda informed that the drive will continue across Bhubaneswar for the next few days till people are sensitized about the illegal parking.

Police have also decided to sensitise roadside vendors and shopkeepers to advise buyers against parking their vehicles randomly. They have also been asked to deploy volunteers to regulate traffic in front of their stores. If the shopkeepers fail to comply, cops would then recommend Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) cancel their trade licence. Action will also be taken against illegal roadside hawkers.

Dhanteras is a significant occasion celebrated two days prior to the biggest Hindu festival Diwali. However this year, the occasion is being celebrated for two days till Sunday evening.

Also read: Dhanteras 2022: Auspicious Time To Buy Gold & Silver On Dhanatrayodashi, Check Rates