Ratia: Residents and commuters in Ratia are facing serious inconvenience due to persistent traffic congestion on Anaj Mandi Road during the ongoing paddy procurement season. Long queues of vehicles remain on the road from morning until evening, making even pedestrian movement difficult.
The situation has worsened as some farmers are reportedly unloading paddy directly onto the road and using threshing machines there. The process throws straw, husk and dust into the air, which often reaches passers-by. Residents say the debris sometimes gets into their eyes, causing irritation and pain, while dust and waste also damage their clothes.
Why Has Mandi Road Become a Major Bottleneck?
Anaj Mandi Road is an important route connecting Tiba Colony, Model Town and Arora Colony. Thousands of residents use it every day to reach their homes, shops, schools and workplaces.
With the road frequently blocked, commuters are being forced to take a longer alternative route through Tohana Road and Azad Market. This is increasing travel time and causing additional inconvenience.
Residents allege that the administration has not taken adequate steps to address the problem. Although the Lal Godown premises adjoining the grain market have also been opened for paddy storage, the available space in the mandi remains insufficient. As a result, some farmers are using the road to unload and process their produce, further worsening congestion.
Elderly People, Children and Women Among the Worst Affected
The traffic situation is particularly difficult for elderly residents, schoolchildren and women. Older people are struggling to walk through the crowded stretch, while students risk reaching school late. Women carrying household purchases also face difficulties navigating the congested road.
Residents have further expressed concern that emergency vehicles, including ambulances, can get trapped in the traffic.
Residents Seek Immediate Administrative Action
Local residents have urged the administration to deploy police personnel on Mandi Road to regulate traffic and prevent congestion. They have also demanded a ban on unloading and threshing paddy on the road, along with strict action against tractor-trolley operators who park their vehicles haphazardly.
Residents say immediate intervention is necessary to restore smooth movement and ensure that commuters can use this important road without facing daily disruptions.
