Residents of Omega Paradise and other societies near Euro School in Wakad are grappling with a persistent issue of vehicles parked haphazardly on the roads, leading to traffic congestion and safety hazards. The situation has prompted urgent calls for action from concerned citizens who are facing the brunt of this parking predicament.
Anand Shrimali, a resident of Omega Paradise, Wakad, expressed frustration over the daily ordeal, stating, “Commercial and various other types of vehicles, including trucks and buses, occupy the side of the road near our society without any regard for proper parking. This careless practice significantly narrows down the road, creating traffic bottlenecks and safety hazards for both drivers and pedestrians.”
Archana Singh, another resident of Omega Paradise, highlighted the long-standing nature of the issue, saying, “Trucks, school buses, commercial buses, and office buses consistently line the roadside, consuming half of the road space. This not only forces traffic to navigate through a reduced area but also poses a serious threat to our children who cycle on the road. The combination of speeding vehicles and limited space often turns the road into an accident-prone zone.”
Bhavesh Utmani, echoing the concerns of his fellow residents, pointed out the additional challenges posed by illicit activities taking place in the parked vehicles at night. He remarked, “Apart from the traffic and safety issues, there’s a growing problem of undesirable activities happening in these parked vehicles during the night. Instances of alcohol consumption, loud noises, smoking, and more raise serious safety concerns for everyone in the vicinity.”
In response to the residents’ grievances, Wakad Traffic Police Official Navnath Khedkar assured proactive measures, stating, “We will dispatch a patrolling van to the location tonight and take relevant action against the perpetrators. Addressing the concerns of the residents and ensuring the safety of the community is our priority.”
The urgency expressed by the residents and the commitment from the local authorities indicate a collective effort to tackle the parking challenges in Wakad, with hopes for a safer and more navigable environment for all.
