Prayagraj: The Prayagraj district administration has decided to prohibit the movement of e-rickshaws in the Civil Lines area as part of a renewed effort to tackle traffic congestion. Authorities will also take strict action against encroachments and illegal parking in city’s major commercial hubs.The decision was taken at a meeting with the local traders on Tuesday, where traders highlighted a range of civic issues, including traffic jams, shortage of parking spaces, rampant encroachments and the growing number of e-rickshaws operating on key roads.Chairing the meeting, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma directed officials to ensure that e-rickshaws do not ply in Civil Lines. As an alternative, he instructed the transport department to strengthen the operation of electric buses to facilitate public transport without adding to road congestion. He also ordered the removal of illegal roadside vendors occupying road space and directed enforcement teams to step up action against vehicles parked on major roads.The DM emphasised that the multi-level parking facility in Civil Lines should be utilised to its full capacity to ease pressure on busy roads. He also instructed officials to provide adequate public amenities, including toilets and drinking water facilities, in major market areas.Notably, the traffic department implemented a similar traffic management plan last month by restricting the movement of e-rickshaws on a selected stretch of MG Marg in Civil Lines and four other places. However, the exercise failed to achieve its objective as e-rickshaws continued to operate on several prohibited stretches despite the restrictions, resulting in no improvement in traffic flow.The administration now hopes that the latest directives, backed by stricter enforcement, will ensure effective implementation of the ban.Apart from this, the DM also asked traders to keep fire safety equipment in working condition at their establishments. Sections of traders demanded public toilets in the Chowk jewellery market and replacement of dilapidated overhead electricity lines. The administration assured that both issues would be addressed.Traders further urged the administration to curb the operation of private buses from the bus stand near CMP Degree College, following which the transport department was directed to initiate necessary action.Municipal Commissioner Sai Teja assured traders that a special anti-encroachment drive would soon be launched in Katra, Johnstonganj and Ghantaghar, where illegal occupation of road space has been contributing to frequent traffic jams. The DM also directed officials to prepare an estimate and expedite the construction of roads and drains in Shahganj market, where civic infrastructure work has remained pending despite an earlier encroachment removal drive.
