Mohali:
The issue of shifting the scooter/motorcycle markets operating in Phase 7 and Phase 1 to Sector 65 has once again come into focus. Councillor of Ward No. 10, Paramjit Singh Kahlon, along with local residents, has urged the Punjab Government to expedite the process of shifting the markets.
In a letter addressed to the Punjab Chief Minister, Kahlon stated that Letters of Intent (LOIs) for allotment of booths in Sector 65 to shopkeepers and mechanics operating in the existing scooter markets were issued more than a year ago. However, the allotment letters have still not been issued, resulting in further delay in shifting the markets.
Growing Problem of Vehicles Parked on Roads
The letter stated that due to a shortage of space in the existing markets, mechanics are often forced to park vehicles brought for repairs on the roads. In several cases, vehicles are also repaired on roads in front of residential houses. This causes considerable inconvenience to local residents, pedestrians and commuters.
Traffic Jams During School Hours
The problem becomes more serious during school opening and closing hours. Since there are two to three schools in Phase 7, traffic pressure increases considerably during these periods. According to local residents, police personnel are also required to regulate traffic on several occasions to manage the situation.
Demand for Immediate Directions to GMADA
Councillor Paramjit Singh Kahlon and local residents have urged the Chief Minister to issue necessary directions to GMADA for the early issuance of allotment letters for the booths in Sector 65 and to shift the existing markets to the new location without any further delay.
Copies of the letter have also been sent to Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, the Principal Secretary of the Punjab Department of Urban Development and the Chief Administrator of GMADA.
Local residents hope that the government will take an early decision on the long-pending matter. They said this would help reduce traffic-related problems, congestion caused by vehicles parked on roads and inconvenience being faced by residents in Phase 1 and Phase 7.
