Builders flout rules, commuters rue in Secunderabad

Hyderabad, Oct 10 (INN): With the inauguration of the old new International Airport at Shamshabad, long-suffering residents of Secunderabad had hoped that traffic snarls because of the Begumpet Airport would be a thing of the past. Sadly, mismanagement by the traffic police and the lack of civic sense in some building owners has put paid to these hopes. This lack of civic sense and total disregard for the various laws is not only putting public to inconvenience but is leading to long-term ill-effects which are more often than not overlooked.

The Secunderabad city in general and the area between the Railway Station to Patny Centre in particular has long been the preferred destination for shoppers. Parklane to Paradise, Paradise to Ranigunj are thronged by shoppers because of the numerous shops making these areas a commercial hub. Even though the authorities have designated parking zones to ease the traffic flow, the high volume of traffic and shoppers mean that every inch of parking space is valuable. In these circumstances, if a place designated for parking vehicles is used for setting up shops, the affect is total chaos.

Despite the authorities trying their best provide parking places for motorists, the owners of commercial establishments do not hesitate to think twice before turning designated parking places into shops. A residential or commercial building, by law has to provide ample parking space for the visitors. Sadly this law is flouted by the apartment/commercial complex owners to get advantage of the extra space. Owners of the Hong Kong Bazaaz at Paradise Junction have turned the entire cellar into a commercial bazaar. Many eateries, big and small, in these areas too do not provide parking space.

The shoppers, for lack of parking space, are forced to park on the roadside. This invariably leads to traffic snarls or at least the slowing down of traffic. Traffic jams or even traffic moving at less than optimal speed not only causes the commuters to lose precious time, it invariably leads to increase in pollution levels. The health of not only the common man, even the government employees like the policemen, security guards etc, who are on duty in areas with higher pollution levels, is affected.

The government has to provide health care to these employees, while the common man will pay from his own pocket. In any case, the higher pollution levels will lead to extra burden on the state, sooner or later. This extra expenditure could be saved if the authorities take a sterner view of violations of building norms. If this is done, precious health, time and money will be saved.