Editor,
I would like to use your esteemed newspaper to express my deep concern about the increasing menace of vehicles occupying almost every inch of the road in our beautiful city of Shillong. As a resident who has witnessed the rapid growth of traffic, I feel compelled to draw attention to the pressing issue of pedestrian safety and convenience.
In recent times, the number of cars, scooters, and other vehicles has risen significantly, leading to severe congestion on our streets. It has become an everyday struggle for pedestrians to find a safe space to walk on the sidewalks, let alone cross the roads. This issue poses a serious threat to the safety of the elderly, children, and physically challenged individuals who often find themselves stranded amidst a sea of vehicles.
Just recently, on the morning of August 24, 2023, near Anton Hall, a tragic collision involving a two-wheeler occurred, underscoring the gravity of this concern.
It is sadly to note that the traffic branch of Shillong seems to be over-regulating schools, yet it could not prevent incidents like this. It is important for the Shillong traffic branch to reevaluate and reregulate the traffic situation during school hours.
The lack of designated parking spaces and unchecked parking by vehicle owners further exacerbate the problem. This not only obstructs smooth traffic flow but also discourages people from choosing sustainable means of transport such as walking or cycling.
Additionally, the situation in Police Bazar, a popular commercial hub, is particularly dire. The influx of vehicles has made it nearly impossible for pedestrians to navigate safely. The once vibrant and bustling area has now turned into a chaotic mess, with vendors encroaching onto walkways and vehicles dominating the remaining space.
The question of shifting vendors to create a full-fledged pedestrian zone raises genuine challenges. These vendors rely on this location for their livelihood, and any sudden relocation might disrupt their daily earnings. Striking a balance between creating a pedestrian-friendly space and ensuring the livelihoods of these vendors requires careful planning and cooperation between authorities, vendors, and the community.
It’s crucial for officials to expedite their efforts and find creative solutions that prioritise both pedestrian safety and the economic well-being of local vendors. Delaying action could exacerbate an already precarious situation and hinder the city’s progress towards becoming a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
I urge the concerned authorities to take immediate measures to address this issue. Implementing strict parking regulations, promoting public transportation, vendor management, community engagement and creating dedicated pedestrian zones are some crucial steps that could alleviate the problem. Furthermore, encouraging citizens to adopt eco-friendly modes of transport like cycling and carpooling can significantly reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
As responsible citizens, we must all contribute to making Shillong a safer, cleaner, and more pedestrian-friendly city. Collective efforts will lead to positive changes and help preserve the essence of Shillong for future generations to cherish.
Pinky Lodh
Shillong
