JHARSUGUDA: Already reeling under fast rising number of vehicles due to industrialisation, Jharsuguda town is grappling with rampant encroachment at strategic locations which has compounded the traffic woes.
Encroachment by shopkeepers and roadside vendors has led to severe parking problem in the market areas and shopping complexes of the industrial town of Western Odisha. While the haphazard parking of vehicles poses problem for the commuters to cross the road, some times it becomes impossible for vehicle owners to remove their parked vehicles. In the absence of stringent action by the authorities, the vendors are not willing to vacate the encroached roadsides.
Senior officials of district administration said they recently tried to take steps to improve the traffic movement in the town. The administration sought the help of Jharsuguda Municipality to clear the encroachments, but to no avail. Though situation temporarily improved on police intervention, things were back to square once the police supervision laxed. Meanwhile, a group of exclusive showroom owners, who are keen on resolving the problem, have written to the district administration demanding strict action against the encroachers.
SK Sahoo, a shop-keeper, said the main market road is 20 feet wide where the roadside vendors have encroached 5-6 feet. Executive Officer of the Municipality M Sriniwas said once the anti-encroachment drive gains momentum, both the temporary and permanent encroachments on roadsides will be cleared.